Ayra Starr Rejects Headies Award, Says It’s Not Based On Merit
Nigerian singer and songwriter Ayra Starr has expressed her displeasure with the Headies Awards, after winning the Best Female Artiste category at the 16th edition of the event.
The 20-year-old star, who rose to fame with her debut EP in 2020, said she was not grateful for the award because she felt it was not a true reflection of her talent and hard work, but rather a result of popularity and politics.
She said she did not attend the award ceremony, which took place on Sunday, September 3, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia, for the second consecutive, because she did not want to be part of a system that does not appreciate and reward genuine artistry.
She said she would rather focus on her music and fans than on awards that do not measure her worth. Also, she slammed the organizers of the Headies for ignoring other female artists who deserved recognition, such as Tems, Simi, and Tiwa Savage.
She made these statements in an Instagram live session on September 4, 2023, where she addressed her fans and followers about her recent achievement.
She said: “I’m not here to be grateful for something that I don’t deserve. I’m here to tell you the truth. The Headies Award is not based on merit. It’s based on who is more popular or who has more connections. It’s not fair to me or to other female artists who are working hard and making good music.”
She continued: “I didn’t go to the award show because I don’t want to be part of a system that does not value me. I don’t need an award to validate me. I know my worth and my fans know my worth. I’m here to make music that touches people’s souls, not to chase awards that don’t reflect my reality.”
She added: “What about Tems? What about Simi? What about Tiwa Savage? These are amazing women who are doing great things in the industry. They deserve to be recognized and celebrated. But the Headies don’t see them. They only see me because I’m new and I’m trending. But that’s not enough for me. I want to be respected for my art, not for my hype.”
She concluded: “I’m not trying to be disrespectful or ungrateful. I’m just trying to be honest and stand up for myself and other female artists who are often overlooked and underrated. We deserve better. We deserve more. Yes, we are not here to compete with each other. We are here to support each other and uplift each other. That’s what I’m about. That’s what Ayra Starr is about.”
