Nigerian singer Shallipopi vows to boycott The Headies after a humiliating experience where he was denied an award plaque due to organizers running out

Nigerian singer Shallipopi has publicly criticized the organizers of the prestigious Afrobeats award show, The Headies, following what he described as an embarrassing incident at its 17th edition held in Lagos on Sunday. The “Cast” crooner has declared he will never attend the award ceremony again.

Also read: Shallipopi accuses Dapper music of financial exploitation

The incident occurred after Shallipopi’s song, “Cast,” was announced as the winner of the Best Rap Single of the Year. This came shortly after he lost the highly anticipated Next Rated category to fellow artist Odumodublvck.

However, his moment of celebration was abruptly cut short when, upon reaching the stage to accept his award, the presenter only offered him a handshake. Reportedly, the organizers had run out of award plaques midway through the event.

Visibly displeased, Shallipopi took to his X (formerly Twitter) page on Monday to express his frustration and announce his decision to boycott future Headies ceremonies.

Interestingly, he also stated that he did not even desire the Best Rap Single award, emphasizing that he does not consider himself a rapper. He called for the plaque to be given to a “real rapper” within the category.

His tweet read, “The next one if una see me make I bend. I nor go even lie for una sef, I nor want that award. Give the real rappers wey dey the category. Me, Shallipopi I nor be rapper.”