Nigerian On-Air Personality Adedotun Kayode, known as Do2dtun, and Headies founder Ayo Animashaun have publicly clashed over the decision to hold Nigerian music awards abroad and allegations that local artistes prioritise foreign recognition over homegrown honours.
Do2dtun criticises Headies for holding ceremony outside Nigeria
Do2dtun criticised the Headies for holding its awards ceremony outside Nigeria, questioning why Nigerian music awards could not remain in the country. He argued that local awards should stay rooted in Nigeria and serve the industry they represent. Citing the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards as an example, he maintained that Nigerian awards should preserve their local identity and independence rather than depend on personal interests.
“Have you ever seen them take the Grammys out of America before?” Dotun asked. He added, “An award should be independent of your choices or how you choose to see it. This is what brands will pay money for not something that is personally controlled.”
Animashaun alleges visa request, Do2dtun denies
In response, Animashaun suggested that Do2dtun's criticism stemmed from a personal grievance rather than genuine concern about the awards. The Headies founder alleged that Dotun had privately approached him for help securing an American visa to attend an event abroad but became bitter when he could not assist.
“U criticise D Headies 4 goin abroad, yet slide into my DM asking me 2 help U attend because U want a visa. When I can’t help, U become even more bitter & criticize. So, is it really about Headies, or UR personal interests? Hypocrisy at its finest!. Awards U didn’t attend in Naija,” Animashaun wrote.
Do2dtun rejected the allegation and questioned Animashaun's account of their alleged private conversation. He insisted that his criticism had nothing to do with obtaining a visa, noting that he had travelled to the United States on several occasions and that his daughters were born there.
Do2dtun challenges Animashaun to focus on award issues
In a series of posts, Do2dtun challenged Animashaun to address his concerns about the awards instead of making the exchange personal. He wrote: “Mention the person that slid into your dm to ask for visa. Your reply is beyond little and lacks comprehension. Tell the real story. Now I see you have made this a personal thing. Again you have left the real goal post to be offside.”
He further stated, “The one we attended in Nigeria, what benefit did it do for us? cos I attended severally. Supported severally. I even presented an award on two occasions. You could criticize others because you think you have the audacity to but you missed it. We all have the same audacity as you. I am an industry great likewise. So na we fit talk to each other. It’s about an entire culture not you.”
Addressing the visa allegation directly, Do2dtun wrote: “Visa to America? .. bro na wetin do crayfish make you dey bend.. Until you come out clean, I won’t leave your neck. The respect i have for you is off the table— Do2dtun Energy gAD.”
Do2dtun insisted that the disagreement concerned the broader Nigerian entertainment industry rather than Animashaun personally. He also challenged the Headies boss to explain the benefits of the awards to Nigerian artistes, noting that he had attended and supported the ceremony several times, even presenting an award on two occasions. The exchange remains ongoing, with Do2dtun demanding that Animashaun provide clarity on the alleged visa request and refocus the discussion on the future of Nigerian awards.
