Life has an amusing way of panning out and this year’s Headies Next Rated award category is a prime example.
The category has become the one to watch as the years have gone by.
Initially it was simply for the artiste that would win the
honour, as it was a validation of that artiste’s buzz prior to
winning.
And that subsequently led to the musician going on to be one of Nigeria’s biggest names.
Headies 2016: The complete winners list
In recent times however, the award category’s attraction has
come from the drama it brings.
We all remember last year’s edition between YBNL and Mavin Records after Reekado Banks won it ahead of Lil Kesh.
This year, reactions were already varied the moment the awards’
organisers released their nominees list.
One of the nominees – Tekno – had his one cent too: he should have been nominated in the Artiste of the Year category in his opinion.
48 hours to the awards and the drama went into overdrive after Tekno’s disqualification from the category due to his failure to meet up with required obligations; photoshoots and all.
From favourite to nothing; it was the only category he was
nominated in. An unfortunate end to what was otherwise a good
year of hits for Tekno.
One man’s meat is another’s poison though. Tekno’s poison became the
Ycee‘s meat to claim, or so it appeared.
Ycee had a decent 2016 himself and looked primed for the Next Rated award ahead of Aramide, Humblesmith and Mr. Eazi.
But this is the highly dramatic Next Rated category we are
talking about here. So it was only dramatically right to see
Eazi get the honour.
Just a night before, the Ghana-born Starboy signee held his
concert in Lagos without his label boss Wizkid making an
appearance.
But when the ‘Skin Tight’ singer’s name was called as the award winner, it was validation for a silent rise in the industry.
And adding to that validation now is Wizkid’s most unexpected appearance at the venue of the awards.
Headies predictions: These will be your winners at the 2016 awards
Unlike the last edition, there was no on-stage drama (sadly) as everyone was busy giving the Next Rated artiste a standing ovation.
If that doesn’t scream ‘BIG WIN’, nothing else can. Deep down, not winning the award will hurt Ycee but he’ll be fine.
Look at Kiss Daniel. Amid the YBNL-Mavin squabble, a few argued to the desert sands that he deserved the Next Rated award then.
12 months later and the G-Worldwide Entertainment artiste won the most awards (three) at the 2016 Headies to justify those few who saw his star.
He raised no dust, but simply continued to do his thing. Ycee can end up same way as well, it’s only a matter of time.
But for Tekno, not only has he now seen Kiss Daniel and Mr. Eazi have more validation, he does not look like someone willing to put in the work required to bounce back in 2017 and sweep the honours at major awards (not just the Headies).
NET Exclusive: Why Tekno’s 2016 Headies ‘Next Rated’ nomination was withdrawn
Besides, why was Tekno feeling bigger than an award category especially as Wizkid, who hands down had the biggest year among all Nigerian acts, was there to pick his own award?
That will help cushion a sour end to 2016 for Wizzy and raise the regard he has attained among all in the industry.
Wizkid was supposed to be the biggest loser in this lucrative season for musicians. Alas, Tekno has earned himself that award.
Life indeed has a way of panning out.