The Stakes for Each Nominee at the Headies Next Rated Awards
The Headies 2022 Next Rated award is a special recognition awarded to the newest up-and-coming music artists who have set the fire burning and have at the same time maintained the artistic brilliance and balance for the year in review.
The category is by far the most sought after, controversial, and most important to budding artists especially. Great superstars like Asa, Wizkid, Davido, Wande Coal, Omawumi, Patoranking, Rema, Omah Lay, among others have been winners of the award. This is bearing in mind that winners of the category have gone on to make their mark internationally.
For the Headies 2022 next rated category, four strong and highly-rated Nigerian musicians have been nominated. They are, in no particular order, BNXN, Ayra Starr, Ruger, and Zinoleesky.
BNXN, reputed to be one of the best among his peers, is an undiluted Afro-fusion singer. He won the hearts of many following his adept delivery of songs like “Feelings”, “Confident”, “Mood”, and “Cold Outside”.
He is famed as one of the best hook takers in the Nigerian music industry. His alluring vocals and poignant lyrics are enviably scintillating to the ears. He has many features to his credit with popular stars such as Wizkid and Burna Boy
Similarly, Ayra Starr, the only woman on the list, is a phenomenal, distinct, and super talented singer. Just as her name “Ayra” denotes, she is “honourable and respected” in the Nigerian music scene.
She has released amazing projects, resonating lyrics, and super impressive rhythms. Small wonder, she stands side by side with the “big boys”.
Also, the Nigerian Afrobeat singer and songwriter, Ruger, came into the limelight not too long ago with his extremely mellifluous vocals and punchy lyrics.
The singer, who did not know if he would ever get to show the world how talented he was, has proven to be the life of the party with his songs. He has to his credits hit songs like “Bounce”, “Snapchat”, and “Dior”.
Zinoleesky, too, is undeniably another talented entertainer in the music industry with his exceptional and energetic songs. He has to his credit features with sought out artists like Zlatan, Mohbad, Lil Kesh, among others.
Indeed with these milestones to their name, the Headies 2022 Next Rated category is tight-raced. The nominees are no doubt, strong contenders.
Fans cannot help but worry in anticipation who carts home the prize of a 2022 Bentley Bentayga.
BNXN stands a higher chance of making it as the winner of the Next Rated award. He has the backing of A-list artists in the industry having collaborated with many of them and made world-class hits for them.
But when one considers that Don Jazzy effect, it leaves you thinking in the direction of Ayra Starr and Ruger — whose record label, Jonzing World, is affiliated with the Mavin brand.
Being a kingmaker and an influencer with over 14 million followers on Instagram adds gusto to Don Jazzy’s ability to swing the pendulum in favour of his artists at the Headies 2022 Next Rated awards.
Similarly, as talented as Zinoleesky is, he stands little or no chance at carting home the award because of the nature of his fanbase and the fact that the Next Rated category has shown itself to be won by musicians who are not indigenous artists. The loss of Lil Kesh, Zlatan, and Bella Shmurda at various editions of the awards is a critical example.
Irrespective of who goes home with the award, it will be a win-win for all of the nominees because making it to the list shows that they got noticed for their impeccable artistry, dedication, as well as invaluable contribution to the music industry.
See full list of nominess:
