The 2023 Headies Awards, hosted at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, once again proved itself as a beacon of excellence in the African music industry. Established in 2006 by the Hip Hop World Magazine of Nigeria, the Headies has evolved into one of the most prestigious events celebrating the diversity and vibrancy of African music and culture. This year’s event was a collaboration with Morehouse College and endorsed by Ghana Tourism Authority and the Beyond the Return Secretariat.

Partnerships that help to further deepen relations between the diaspora and Ghana are important to our team.   

This year’s edition continued the tradition of recognizing and rewarding outstanding contributions in African music, with Afrobeats transcending borders and uniting the continent through a shared love for music. The awards showcased the artistic ingenuity of Pan-African talent, highlighting the global appeal of African music.  The 2-day event also included a panel discussion on African Creatives and HBCUs.

A significant highlight for Ghana was Black Sherif winning West African Artist of the Year.  He’s been making significant waves around the world with his music over the last few years. “We are so proud of what he’s accomplished from his humble beginnings.  Meeting one of Ghana’s biggest creative talents at the awards ceremony was a pleasure.  Black Sherif is a testament to the raw talent coming from Ghana,” said Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat.  

The International Artist of the Year category, acknowledged global music icons. Nominees such as Drake, Future, Selena Gomez, Don Tolliver, and Ed Sheeran reflected the international influence of Afrobeats. The legendary Sean Love Combs, also known as Diddy, received the International Special Recognition Award for his impactful contributions to the music industry.

The Best Recording of the Year category exemplified the global reach of African music, featuring nominees like Tems, Burna Boy, Victony & Tempoe, Omah Lay, and Davido with the Sunday Service Choir. The diversity of nominees underscored the expansive influence of African music across the world.

The awards ceremony was expertly hosted by Emmy Award-nominated actor Terrence J and Nigerian-American actress Osas Ighodaro, bringing charisma and energy to the stage. Their dynamic chemistry added an extra layer of excitement to the evening.

The star-studded lineup of performers, including Ayra Starr, Rema, Asake, Oxlade, Johnny Drille, Blaqbonez, Spyro, Seyi Vibez, FireBoyDML, KCee, and Victony, delivered electrifying performances that kept the audience enthralled throughout the night.

Themed ‘Celebrating African Renaissance,’ the Headies Awards 2023 underscored the significance of African culture and creativity in the global entertainment industry. Beyond just recognizing the hard work of artists, the event served as a platform to inspire the next generation of African talents.

Since its inception, the Headies has grown to become the most prestigious prize in Nigerian music, extending its influence across the continent. It has consistently documented the evolution and achievements of the Nigerian music industry, becoming a cultural institution that celebrates African excellence.

In conclusion, the 2023 Headies Awards was a night to remember, filled with remarkable performances, well-deserved awards, and a celebration of African culture and music. As the global influence of Afrobeats and African music continues to rise, events like the Headies play a crucial role in promoting and recognizing the extraordinary talent that Africa has to offer to the world.

Beyond exceptional is one way to describe Black Sherif’s inaugural Mozama Disco Concert which took place last night at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.  The event space created interactive activations where patrons could have fun taking pictures, playing pool, video games, creating content on the couch, telephone booth and of course a 360-video experience.

The artist himself was engaging with people hours before showtime proving how down to earth he is, despite his recent global success. The ‘Kwaku the Traveller’ hitmaker, became a global sensation when his song was number one around the world thanks to social media. His new album, ‘The Villain I Never Was’ has also garnered him critical acclaim with fans touting him is one of music’s great storytellers. With his own sense of style, he’s known to support local creatives credits local designers for the multiple outfit changes during the show.

This concert was unlike others where fans are forced to wait until the end to see the headliner of the show. Blacko, as he’s known, performed multiple times through the night. He performed in short sets that were interchanged with performances by other artists including KiDi, Gyakie, Cina Souls, Wendy Shay and Lasmid.  He delivered high-energy performances that rocked the crowd and kept them wanting more. Each time he left the stage he came back with even more energy and vigour. The crowd went wild as fireworks blazed across the stage and Sakordie came out of nowhere to join Blacko in performing their latest hit, ‘Country Side’. He wasn’t slated as one of the artists to perform making it the biggest surprise of the night.

With all the events happening as part of the December in GH activities, this was perhaps one of the most organized and well executed concerts for an inaugural event. The artist, who brought his parents to the show, is said to have plans to do the Mozama Disco Concert every year.

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Story by: Ivy Prosper