“And The Nominees Are”; The Women of The 15th Headies Awards
On May 24, The Headies released the list of nominees and their categories ahead of the 15th year of the annual award show set to hold on September 4 this year.
We are excited to see the new, on the come up, and consistent names of women in the music industry from Nigeria and across Africa who are among the list of nominees.
In no particular order, Document Women have put together a list of the women nominated in the biggest music award show out of Nigeria.
AYRA STARR
From her dreamlike makeup to her eccentric early 2000s themed dressing, to her free-spirited angel-like dance when she performs on stage, the nickname “Celestial Being” is not lost on her.
Born to music-loving Nigerian parents in Cotonou and named Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe in 2002, Ayra Starr began officially in 2018 chasing her dreams in the entertainment industry as a model under Quove Models Agency. This she did while writing songs with her brother and posting videos of herself covering her favourite songs on Instagram.
In 2019, she was discovered by music producer and owner of Mavin Records, Don Jazzy, known to have a great eye for spotting talents and nurturing them. Soon after she was signed to Mavin Records. After a year of mentoring, finding her sound and writing music later, a self-titled extended playlist was released.
Thus began the ascent of the Starr.
Since her rather dramatic burst into the limelight, Ayra has been nominated for awards such as Mobo Awards, African Entertainment Awards, as best new artist. In 2021 she bagged an ambassadorial deal with Pepsi who are famous for working with only the best in their various fields.
As expected, Ayra Starr bagged 8 nominations in categories including Best RnB single, Best Vocal Performance, Best Afrobeats, in this year’s The Headies award show as the highest nominated female.
UGOCCIE
If you have heard the viral TikTok song, "Do You Really Like Me?" featuring Kolaboy, then you've heard Ugoccie. The cover was a take on Nigerian actor and RnB singer Rotimi’s single In My Bed.
Favour Ugochi Anosike, was born March 16, 1997 . she also bagged a degree in Microbiology at Alex Ekwueme University, Ebonyi state.
Before her rise to fame on and off social media, Ugoccie pursued her dreams of being a full-time artist after graduating and while working in radio. Heavily influenced by her birthplace, Aba, and her Father’s love for music, Ugoccie mixes the Igbo language in rap verses on Afrobeat sounds making her music enjoyable to all regardless of tribe.
Formerly known as iTooTok, the Nigerian born and bred singer, songwriter and rapper holds a spot in the Rookie of the Year award category, the first of a major award for her.