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Organisers of The Headies have refuted allegations that gospel and inspirational musicians are excluded from the award’s major categories.

In a statement released on Monday via its official Instagram page, the organisers said the claim does not reflect the award’s history.

They cited previous winners such as Lara George, Kefee, Nikki Laoye and Timi Dakolo as gospel artistes who have won mainstream honours at The Headies.

The statement also noted that the Inspirational Single category was created to recognise songs that promote faith, hope and positive values.

The clarification followed an open letter from Afrogospel artiste Gaise Baba, who raised concerns about the treatment of gospel music at the awards.

Gaise Baba argued that songs should be judged on quality, sound and impact, rather than the message in the lyrics.

“A rap record is a rap record,” he wrote in part.

The singer further questioned whether commercially successful gospel songs like ‘Favour’ and his collaboration with Lawrence Oyor, ‘No Turning Back II’, receive the same consideration as mainstream Nigerian songs.

Gaise Baba also recalled his experience as a nominee, stating that the Inspirational Music category was not presented during the main ceremony at one edition.

He said nominees commit time and resources to the process and deserve proper recognition.

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Fifteen housemates have been put up for possible eviction in week six of Big Brother Naija Season 11.

The nominees are Chimsom Chuka, Flora, Aikou, Bells, Tram, Gerard, Oyin, Ricky, Barry, Temi Nkem, Araga, Yusuf, Nomy, Bluethopia and Keivo.

The list was confirmed during Monday’s nomination proceedings in the house.

Head of House Abi is immune from eviction this week following her win in the week six HOH challenge.

She also becomes a two-time HOH this season.

Also safe from eviction is Sheba, who emerged as the Most Influential Player for week five.

The title comes with immunity for the following week.

With Aikou and Flora’s gambit status now revoked, both housemates are eligible for nominations and eviction for the first time this season.

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The race for honours at the 18th Headies Awards has intensified following the release of nominees for the 2026 edition, with some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars set to battle across several competitive categories.

Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Adekunle Gold, Ayra Starr, Tems, Asake and Rema are among the leading names on the nomination list unveiled by the organisers on Tuesday.

The ceremony is scheduled to hold in Toronto, Canada, on October 25, under the theme, “Africa to the World”.

The nominations recognise music released between August 1, 2024, and April 30, 2026, with 213 nominations spread across 35 categories.

Fola emerged as the biggest individual nominee with 10 nominations, while Omah Lay followed with eight. Mavo and Wizkid secured seven nominations each, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive awards season.

Wizkid is in contention in major categories, including Best Male Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year, Afrobeats Album of the Year and Song of the Year. His album, Morayo, is also nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year.

Davido also features prominently, with his album 5ive nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year. His collaboration with Omah Lay, With You, earned nominations in Song of the Year, Afrobeats Single of the Year, Best Recording of the Year, Best Headies Collaboration and Viewers’ Choice.

Adekunle Gold joins the heavyweight contenders with Fuji nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year. He is also nominated for Best Male Artiste and Best Performer (Live) for his performance at the National Theatre in Lagos.

Among the female stars, Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage lead with five nominations apiece. Ayra Starr is also in contention for Best Female Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year and Best Performer (Live).

The Next Rated category is equally expected to attract significant attention, with Fido, Fola, Llona, Mavo and Shoday competing for the coveted prize. The category has traditionally served as a major platform for identifying the next generation of Nigerian music stars.

The organisers have also announced special honours, with veteran Congolese singer, Awilo Longomba, set to receive the Headies Hall of Fame Award, while Nigerian entertainment executive, Cecil Hammond, will receive the Special Recognition Award for his contributions to African entertainment.

With established superstars, rising acts and a new crop of contenders spread across the categories, attention will now shift to the October ceremony in Toronto, where the nominees will battle for one of Africa’s most recognised music honours.