The organisers of the Headies have rejected allegations that gospel artistes are being excluded from major award categories, saying faith-based musicians have historically competed for and won mainstream honours.
The organisers reacted to an open letter by Nigerian gospel singer Gaise Baba, who accused the awards of relegating gospel and inspirational music to separate categories instead of allowing them to compete for major honours.
Gaise Baba also alleged that although he was nominated for the Inspirational Music category introduced in 2024, the winner was neither publicly announced nor presented on stage.
In a statement shared on its official Instagram page, the Headies said its records contradict claims that gospel artistes are deliberately excluded from major categories.
“Every award season, the same claim resurfaces: ‘The Headies doesn’t recognise gospel artists. Inspirational music is shut out of the real categories.’ It sounds provocative. It travels fast. But the record says otherwise – and the record is verifiable,” the organisers said.
