Mary Beth Leonard, the United States ambassador to Nigeria. has celebrated the cultural ties between the US and Nigeria in the creative industry.
Leonard applauded the growing ties between the two countries in music and arts at a reception hosted by the U.S Mission Nigeria on Thursday to honour the 15th annual Headies Music Awards, which will be held for the first time in Atlanta later this year.
In a statement sent to Qed.ng on Friday, the ambassador explained that the choice of Atlanta to host the Headies symbolises “the growing relationship between the music industries in the United States and Nigeria and the growing popularity of Nigerian music in the United States.”
“This year’s Headies awards will highlight the growing U.S.-Nigeria ties and the vast potential of Nigerian musicians as cultural exporters to the African continent and beyond,” Leonard said.
Ambassador Leonard noted that cultural exchange advances U.S.-Nigeria strategic partnership by forging lasting ties between American and Nigerian artists and shining a spotlight on the vibrant creative community in Nigeria and the United States.
“The U.S. government has long recognized the role of music in diplomacy, with its emphasis on free expression, improvisation, and democratic and collaborative teamwork. Sharing music is one of the best ways to find common ground with people on an exchange program. The appeal of music is truly universal,” she added.
In his welcoming remarks, Acting U.S. Consul General Brandon Hudspeth noted that cultural and artistic exchanges are just one way the United States partners with the people and government of Nigeria.
Executive Producer of the Headies Music Awards, Ayo Animashaun, noted that it’s the first year the Headies will be held outside of Nigeria. He described Atlanta as home to many prominent hip-hop and R&B artists and their record labels.
“The Headies recognizes outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry. Our goal is to continue to support the development of talent and nurture innovation in the music industry,” Animashaun added.
The Public Affairs Sections of the U.S. Mission in Abuja and Lagos support programs that connect American creatives with their Nigerian counterparts. Through these people-to-people connections, the U.S. Mission hopes to foster a deeper relationship between the people of Nigeria and the United States.
