Multiple artists accuse the prestigious awards platform of withholding millions in prize money for years
On August 28, 2026, past Headies Awards winners publicly accused the organizers of withholding their cash prizes. Artists Toiner and Dorae revealed they have not received their respective two million and one million naira rewards, exposing unfulfilled promises from CEO Ayo Animashaun and company representatives.
The Headies Awards face intense public scrutiny over unpaid prize money. On August 28, 2026, former winners launched a coordinated online protest against the organization.
Two prominent artists shared extensive evidence of their unpaid rewards on social media. They posted photos holding large ceremonial cheques alongside screenshots of ignored messages. Fans quickly amplified their complaints across various platforms.
Toiner Exposes CEO Ayo Animashaun
Toiner won the first runner-up position in an upcoming artist category. The platform awarded him a two million naira prize.
”In my own case, I even arrived for a meeting with Mr Ayo Animashaun, headies CEO. he said he has never seen me in his life.”
Toiner tweeted. The artist explained that he proved his identity with help from Mr. Yomi. Animashaun then instructed Toiner to submit his account details.
”When I and Mr. Yomi showed him evidences that I’m who I say I am, he asked me to drop my account details with the accountant, i did, i called severally”
The singer wrote. Toiner shared footage of his lively stage routine to prove his intense effort.
”I sing, I dance, I tear my clothes I even dance michael jackson 🤧💔 I win 2 million, they have been whining us for three years now 💔🤧”
The performer declared. He accused the organizers of stringing him along for three entire years. The artist expressed severe heartbreak over the ongoing situation.
”We won their up and coming artiste category. It was a rigorous competition I even tear cloth for live TV 😭😭😭”
The frustrated star added. Fans demanded immediate accountability from the award organizers across social media platforms.
Dorae Reveals Ignored Messages
Another artist named Dorae corroborated the severe payment delays. She won one million naira as the second runner-up for the Mic Check contest. She quickly joined the growing online protest.
”@The_Headies has been owing me since 2023. Dem give me placard, dem no give me money…”
Dorae posted online. She shared multiple WhatsApp conversations showing her repeatedly begging for updates regarding her money.
”I know we are owing you, Headies juts finish so we aren’t back to the office yet, by October, I would start pushing for you guys payments”
Yomi replied in one message. The representative later blamed ongoing funding issues for the severe delay. He asked the singer to remain patient during the process.
”See I’m sorry and I understand where you are coming from, I will talk to Mr Ayo again, it’s not like Headies is denying, the man is actually trying to source funds and you guys are at the top of the priority list.”
The official noted. The Headies organization has not yet released a public statement addressing these claims.
