The Headies is one of the most respected music awards in Nigeria. Maybe not the best, considering the controversies that trail the event every other year; but it is our safest landing as far as awards in Nigeria are concerned.

This year’s edition is the 11th and a few weeks ago, the list of nominees was made public. It was highly anticipated and when it came, needless to say, we were shocked by the heavy recognition given to Olamide, in spite of his unruly behavior at last year’s show. But the group on the receiving end of Olamide’s cold outburst are missing on the list and we’re sincerely worried for them.

As a group of uniquely talented artistes, The Mavins tout themselves as a formidable force on the Nigerian music scene. So far in 2016 though, their place in the industry as a team and as individuals has become debatable. At the beginning of the year, they released a group track, Jantamanta, it was purposed to sell out like Dorobucci did, but (and we’re not surprised) it flopped. Not necessarily because it’s a terrible song per se but because audience preference has improved. In simple terms, we won’t settle for just anything.

But we’re not here to make a case on behalf of the organisers of the Headies awards, we’re not aware of their reasons for excluding all the Mavins from all 21 categories on the nominees list (Discount Tiwa Savage, we do not consider her a Mavin. Don’t ask why, just pay attention). What we know for sure is that the Mavins have become laid back, Oga Don Jazzy must be up to some other underground gig that we know nothing about or why else is he no longer making the quality sounds that his brand alludes to…

Critically, the efforts that were considered for this year’s Headies are those that were put out between July 2015 and June 2016. Within this period, Reekado Banks released his Spotlight album, Korede Bello dropped about three tracks including the popular favourite, Romantic, Di’Ja was off on wife and mommy duties though there were two abysmal tracks (has anyone heard that one called “Take Kiss”, it would pass for a failed nursery rhyme), Dr. Sid gave us a few good songs with crisp videos to go, and as for D’Prince, we think he finally gave up on the music hustle.

So to be honest, the Mavins have not necessarily given anything worth recognizing or rewarding between late last year and now.

We already, on behalf of the Supreme Mavin Dynasty, look forward to 2017 Headies.

Making a case for Reekado Banks, his album was released on September 1, 2016 so he didn’t make the window.

Korede Bello’s Romantic blazed in late 2015.

We understand that Di’ja has been on other – non-music related – duties. Though she released a few abysmal tracks between last year and now. Did we mention “Take Kiss”?

Dr. Sid had a bit of a good year with the popular favorite, Kabiyesi. He also gave a number of tight, crisp videos…

D’Prince? Oh well… he’ll have to come forward and explain himself.

Tolu

Your pop culture/entertainment go-to. Music head. Wallflower. I do not like to write. On a mission to decipher covfefe.