Why Tekno’s 2016 Headies ‘Next Rated’ nomination was withdrawn

Nigerian pop star Tekno is no longer in contention for the Headies Award.

According to reliable information obtained by Thenetng, the jury took the decision to withdraw his nomination because he failed to participate in all of the required activities by organisers leading up to the event.

Official e-mails between the organisers and the singer’s reps confirm all nominees for the category were required to take part in promotional activities including photoshoots, interviews and more.

An insider says all other nominees were available for all the activities.

‘We reached out to them repeatedly, using personal contacts and official channels. They promised he’ll come but he did not. They were clearly aware of the consequences,’ a Headies insider told us today.

The ‘Pana’ singer’s ONLY nomination for the 11th edition of the award ceremony was for the ‘Next Rated’ award, along with YCee, Aramide, Humblesmith, and Mr. Eazi.

Thenetng obtained a copy of a letter sent to him by the Headies secretariat, and signed by executive producer Ayo Animashaun, informing of his disqualification.

‘Tekno has unfortunately not made himself available for any of the mandatory activities, hence the committee’s decision to effectively withdraw his nomination for this year.’

We could not immediately confirm if the letter got a response from his team.

It was the only category the 24-year-old singer was nominated in. He missed out on major nominations including ‘Artiste of the Year’, which was the award he was hoping to be nominated for.

Shortly after the nominees were announced, Tekno expressed his dissatisfaction through an Instagram post that was later taken down: ‘Next rated after how many years! Let’s be honest pls’.

The Headies is set to hold tomorrow, December 22nd at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre and would be hosted by the duo of rapper Falz and actress, Adesua Etomi.

Last year, the keenly contested category that comes with a brand new Hyundai automobile was controversially won by Mavin act, Reekado Banks ahead of Lil Kesh, Korede Bello and Kiss Daniel, leading to YBNL leader Olamide complaining live on stage to a global audience.

Next Rated has always attracted controversies, because, pundits say, it has become the most celebrated category, attracting a prize and attention even the Artiste of the Year rarely gets. Many of today’s big names got a prop on their way up from winning the Next Rated category.

But Tekno is the first to be disqualified in this manner.