by Taiwo Damilola

Organisers of the esteemed HipHopWorld Awards recently announced a change in the location of the 2011 edition of Nigeria’s biggest music honours event. Executive Producer of the awards, Ayo Animashaun, also gave remarkable news that the organising committee has agreed to change the name of the award to ‘THE HEADIES.’

‘We’re moving out of Lagos again,’ said Animashaun who doubles as CEO of Smooth Promotions. ‘This will be the second time we’re leaving Lagos. We had the show in Abuja in 2009 and Abuja showed us love. Since then there’s been clamor from different regions for us to come stage the awards there. And as a truly and proudly national brand we’re very open to moving the show all over Nigeria. So when the opportunity came again, we happily grabbed it!’

Since it debuted in 2006, HHWA remains the most notable and credible Nigerian music awards show, rewarding excellence, creativity, popularity and musical genius within the pop music scene. Speaking on the choice of the name THE HEADIES, Animashaun says, ‘It was just a matter of time. Everyone in-house has been calling the award that name forever; because that’s what we christened our plaque. I think the name is more hip and trendy, and it helps us place proper focus on the prize, which is the plaque; The Headies; the prize to die for.’

No date has been announced yet for this year’s event, but the producers say – because of the election and swearing in season – this year’s edition will not hold in May. ‘Once we’re able to confirm all the details, we’ll announce a date’ Animashaun says. The awards’ secretariat is partnering with different State Governments, an airline company, a team of corporate sponsors, as well as several entertainment companies, to make this year’s show ‘the biggest and the best’ ever.

Oluwapelumi