Headies Heads to Toronto, Unveils Investment Summit for 18th Edition
The organisers of The Headies have announced that the 18th edition of Nigeria’s foremost music awards ceremony will hold in Toronto, Canada, marking another major step in the platform’s global expansion.
The announcement was made during “The Big Announcement” event held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, on Monday, June 15, 2026 where entertainment stakeholders, government representatives and industry leaders gathered to hear plans for the next edition of the awards.
Founder and Executive Producer of The Headies, Ayo Animashaun, said the decision to stage the ceremony in Canada was part of efforts to strengthen the awards’ international presence while keeping Nigerian audiences actively involved.
“The first thing is that we’re going to Toronto for the 18th Headies.”
“The second thing is that we’re not just going to Toronto; we’re not leaving Nigeria behind,” Animashaun said.
He disclosed that the organisers would host watch parties and live viewing activities linking Toronto and Lagos to ensure fans in Nigeria remain part of the celebration.
“We’re going to have a watch party; we’re going to have a watch show between Toronto and Lagos.”
“For the first time, we’re having a training and investment summit,” he added.
Beyond the awards ceremony, organisers unveiled the Headies Trade and Investment Summit, a new initiative aimed at connecting the entertainment industry with investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and business leaders.
According to the organisers, the summit is designed to create opportunities for investment, innovation and sustainable growth within Nigeria’s creative economy while fostering stronger partnerships between Africa and the global community.
The Toronto edition will continue The Headies’ recent international journey.
The awards first left Nigeria in 2022 for its 15th edition in Atlanta, United States, before returning there for the 16th edition in 2023.
The event later returned to Lagos for its 17th edition under the theme “Back to Base.”
Reports from the unveiling indicate that the 18th edition is expected to be held in October 2026, although organisers are yet to announce the exact date and venue within Toronto.
Speaking at the event, Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Carlos Rojas-Arbulu, praised the global impact of Nigerian music and highlighted the increasing presence of Nigerian artistes in Canada.
He described Nigerian music as a powerful cultural export and noted that several leading Afrobeats stars have performed in Canada in recent months, demonstrating the growing ties between both countries through music and culture.
The event also featured a panel session titled “Afrobeats Without Borders,” where industry experts examined the global rise of Afrobeats and its cultural and economic influence beyond Africa.
Rapper Magnito delivered a live performance, while entertainers, media personalities and industry stakeholders attended the unveiling.
With the introduction of the Trade and Investment Summit and a dual-city celebration connecting Toronto and Lagos, the 18th Headies appears set to become more than an awards show, positioning itself as a platform for entertainment, business and international collaboration.
