Shallipopi blasts Headies, vows never to attend again after awkward on-stage moment
On Sunday, April 27, Nigerian singer Shallipopi experienced what he called an embarrassing moment at the 17th edition of The Headies Awards in Lagos—an incident that has now prompted him to boycott future editions of the prestigious Afrobeats ceremony.
Shallipopi, who lost the hotly contested Next Rated category to frequent collaborator Odumodublvck, believed he would leave the event with at least one accolade when his track “Cast” was announced as the Best Rap Single of the Year.
However, what should have been a celebratory moment quickly turned awkward when he got on stage only to receive a handshake instead of an award plaque, as the organisers reportedly ran out of physical awards midway through the ceremony.
Reacting to the situation on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, April 28, the artist made it clear he would not be returning.
“The next one if una see me make I bend,” he wrote, using a popular Nigerian slang implying that he’s done with the show.
He further stated that he never even wanted the Best Rap Single award, adding that he doesn’t see himself as a rapper and that the award should have gone to someone more fitting.
“I nor go even lie for una sef, I nor want that award. Give the real rappers wey dey the category. Me, Shallipopi I nor be rapper,” he wrote.
The incident has sparked debate online about event planning lapses and category accuracy, with many fans criticizing the awards for what they see as poor organization.
