This year, the Headies launched a new award category called ‘Songwriter of the Year’ which recognizes the writer of a song (that meets the judges’ requirements of excellence, composition, arrangement, rendition) in the year under review.
This debut category had the likes of Burna Boy, Fireboy, Simi, Adekunle Gold, Omah Lay and Wurld nominated for their penmanship in bringing songs to life. Though the category seemed very tight, Simi took home the maiden award for the song ‘Duduke’.
Although Simi wasn’t there to receive the award, artiste Falz picked up the award on her behalf.
Nigerians weighed in on the winner of the award saying it was well deserved and they were happy that her writing talent was recognised. When ‘Duduke’ was released, it quickly became a chart-topper, rising to number 1 on the Top Songs Chart on Apple Music Nigeria.
With Simi receiving the songwriter award, many speculate that it might encourage more artistes to put more effort into the lyrical aspect of their music. Organizers of the Awards said the category was to bring to the limelight hardworking individuals who have all significantly supported the creation of quality music.
Simi also won an award for her collaboration with Ladipoe on his track ‘Know You’. Ladipoe thanked Simi when he received the award saying, “Big shout-out to Simi, I really want to give a big shout-out to Simi. I didn’t get to say it on stage and I’m so sorry. Because she is such a major part of the record.”
