Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, a Nigerian singer popularly known as Ayra Starr has expressed discontent with the organisers of Headies Awards for their “nonchalant” attitude towards female musicians.

Beating industry heavyweights like Tiwa Savage, Simi and Tems, Starr emerged winner of the Best Female Artiste category at the 16th edition of Headies, which was held on Sunday.

Unfortunately, the organisers failed to present awards in 13 categories, including Starr’s, after event host, Osas Ighodaro abruptly announced the end of the event.

These categories included Best Female Artiste, Best Recording of The Year, Songwriter of The Year, Best RnB Single, Best Vocal Performance (Female), Headies Viewers’ Choice, and Best East African Artiste of the Year.

Others include, Best North African Artiste of The Year, Best Southern African Artiste of The Year, Best Central African Artiste of The Year, International Artiste Of The Year, Best Alternative Album, and Best RnB Album.

The ’19 and Dangerous’ artiste took to X,  formerly known as Twitter on Monday, where she said, “I will never be grateful for winning a category that wasn’t even deemed fit to be announced on stage!”

Hailing her fellow nominees for their dedication to the craft, Starr slammed the organisers for their “nonchalance” towards the female hit makers.

“Best female artist na beans? We work hard, every single one of us! I’ve seen Tiwa record 4 hit songs in the same night, Tems breathes and lives for music. We didn’t deserve such nonchalance! Nigeria, you didn’t raise me to settle for less,” she wrote.

Tagged “Celebrating African Renaissance,” the 2023 Headies was held at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, Atlanta, United States of America.