By Ohuakanwa Chibuzo
Hazel Oyeze Onou, popularly known as Whitemoney, a former contestant on Big Brother Naija and burgeoning music artist, has sparked conversations in the entertainment industry after announcing a significant change in his career aspirations. The young talent, who once harbored dreams of winning the prestigious Grammy Award, has decided to redirect his focus towards local recognition, particularly the revered Headies Awards.
Whitemoney’s decision comes in the wake of mounting controversies surrounding international award ceremonies, notably the Grammy Awards, which he claims have tarnished their credibility. In a candid interview with content creator Egungun, Whitemoney expressed his disillusionment with the Grammy Awards, suggesting that they may have lost their integrity.
The catalyst for Whitemoney’s change in perspective appears to be the treatment of Nigerian music icons Davido and Burna Boy at the last Grammy Awards ceremony. Both artists, who have garnered international acclaim for their contributions to the music industry, were seemingly overlooked in favor of other nominees. Whitemoney interpreted this as a sign that the Grammy Awards may be exploiting Nigerian artists for publicity purposes rather than acknowledging their talent and achievements.
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In light of these developments, Whitemoney emphasized his intention to pivot towards awards that uphold his relevance within the local music scene. The Headies Awards, a prestigious annual event celebrating excellence in Nigerian music, has now become the primary target for Whitemoney’s aspirations. By redirecting his focus to a homegrown platform, Whitemoney hopes to align himself with an award ceremony that he believes values and respects Nigerian artists’ contributions.
While Whitemoney remains steadfast in his decision to prioritize local recognition, he maintains an open-minded approach towards international accolades. Despite his reservations about the Grammy Awards, he acknowledges that his unique style of music may still warrant consideration on the global stage. Whitemoney’s willingness to adapt to changing circumstances underscores his versatility as an artist and his commitment to achieving success on his own terms.
