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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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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.

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Legendary American singer, songwriter and actress Dolly Parton died on Tuesday at the age of 80, bringing an extraordinary career spanning more than six decades to an end.

Legendary American singer, songwriter and actress Dolly Parton died on Tuesday at the age of 80, bringing an extraordinary career spanning more than six decades to an end.

Here are 10 things to know about the beloved country music icon:

1. She was born into poverty

Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin in Tennessee. She was the fourth of 12 children raised by Robert and Avie Lee Parton.

2. She began performing as a child

Her musical talent emerged early. Parton was already performing on local television at 10 and recorded her first song when she was 13.

3. Porter Wagoner helped launch her career

Parton gained national attention in 1967 after joining The Porter Wagoner Show. The programme introduced her to a wider country music audience.

4. She wrote two classics on the same day

Parton famously revealed that she wrote “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” on the same day. Whitney Houston’s 1992 version of the latter became a global phenomenon.

5. She sold more than 100 million records

Parton sold over 100 million records worldwide and won 11 Grammy Awards, establishing herself as one of the bestselling musicians in history.

6. She became a successful Hollywood actress

Beyond music, Parton starred in popular films such as 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

7. She had her own theme park

The singer became closely associated with Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park which opened under that name in 1986 and grew into a major tourist attraction.

8. She gave millions of books to children

Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995 to send free books to children from birth until age five. The programme later expanded beyond the United States. Imagination Library

9. She was inducted into two major halls of fame

Parton entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

10. She was married for nearly 60 years

Parton married Carl Dean in May 1966 after meeting him outside a Nashville laundromat. Their famously private marriage lasted until Dean’s death in March 2025.

Parton died three months after cancelling a Las Vegas performance amid health challenges. Her family did not disclose the immediate cause of her death.