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.
