#14thHeadies: Despite losing ‘The Next Rated Award’ to Omah Lay, what Oxlade & Bella Shmurda did for him sparks reactions (Photos)

After months of anticipation, the 14 edition of the Headies Award finally went down on Sunday, February 21, and it was indeed a night to remember.

Several music stars attended the music show and many could not wait to see the winner of the highly controversial Next Rated Artist category.

Interestingly, the category which had music stars like Bella Shmurda, Tems, Oxlade nominated saw Godly crooner, as emerge as the winner.

Despite losing the next rated award to Omah Lay, Oxlade and Bella Shmurda proved to the Headies crowd last night that awards/fans approval doesn’t define how far you’ve gone as they accompanied Omah Lay to pick up his award on the Headies big stage.

Following the announcement of the award, fans flooded social media with mixed reactions as they celebrated the singer.

Popular music journalist, Joey Akan, wrote:

“Omah Lay deserves this Next Rated award fully. In the past year, he’s been the most explosive act. Moving from deep obscurity to superstar status. Bella Shmurda should be placed in the rookie of the year. That’s where he would have smashed it all.”

Another Twitter user commended the singer for bringing fellow nominees on stage to receive his award:

“I remember when Rema said to his fellow young stars, “Don’t let the fans cause enmity between us”
Omah Lay just did exactly that by bringing Bella and Oxlade to receive his award. Afrobeat’s future is truly in good hands.”

@day_veed tweeted:

“I feel Omah lay deserves the “Next rated” award, man kept us locked on both EP’s His consistency”

Here’s what @ajuicegeorge had to say: “On Behalf of Pitakwa, I say congratulations to @Omah_Lay we are proud of you!! You’ve given a lot of kids back home hope, they say you made it, so they can too. Thank you for not giving up on your dreams.”