“Female Artistes didn’t deserve such nonchalance” – Ayra Starr slams Headies over award presentation

• Ayra Starr has publicly lambasted the organizers of the Headies 2023 for their questionable presentation of the coveted ‘Best Female Artist of the Year’ award, to her.
• The 2023 edition, which was held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, USA, on Sunday, was brought to an abrupt end with about 14 awards left to be presented, including ‘all-female category awards.’

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, also recognized as Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, has openly voiced her dissatisfaction with the Headies Awards organizers for their perceived lack of regard for female musicians.

Beating industry heavyweights like Tiwa Savage, Simi and Tems; Ayra emerged winner of the Best Female Artiste category at the 16th edition of Headies, which was held on Sunday.

Sadly, the event organizers left 13 categories, including Ayra Starr’s, without award presentations, following the sudden announcement of the event’s conclusion by host Osas Ighodaro.

These categories included Best Female Artiste, Best Recording of The Year, Songwriter of The Year, Best RnB Single, Best Vocal Performance (Female), Headies Viewers’ Choice, and Best East African Artiste of the Year.

Others include, Best North African Artiste of The Year, Best Southern African Artiste of The Year, Best Central African Artiste of The Year, International Artiste Of The Year, Best Alternative Album, and Best RnB Album.

In her response, Ayra Starr posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday, and conveyed her thoughts;

“I will never be grateful for winning a category that wasn’t even deemed fit to be announced on stage!”

Hailing her fellow nominees for their dedication to the craft, Starr slammed the organisers for their “nonchalance” towards the female hit makers.

“Best female artist na beans? We work hard, every single one of us! I’ve seen Tiwa record 4 hit songs in the same night, Tems breathes and lives for music.

“We didn’t deserve such nonchalance! Nigeria, you didn’t raise me to settle for less,” she wrote

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