Producer of The Headies 2016, Edi Lawani, has expressed satisfaction at the early start of the show despite criticism of the number of guests at kickoff.
The ceremony held at Eko Hotel & Suites began at 10pm with many of the invited celebrities not on seat.
Images shown at the start of live broadcast showed many empty VIP seats and a rather sparse hall.
Speaking at the lobby of the hotel venue shortly after the award, Lawani said he has no regret at the early start of the show.
“Organisers insisted in pre-event publicity that the event will start on time, and that was what we did,” he told Qed.ng.
Lawani, a veteran entertainment consultant and promoter, said people had complained in the past that the ceremony started late.
“We had to chase some people off the red carpet and threaten to switch of the light to get them to enter the hall,” he continued.
“For the artistes who didn’t come early, the show had to go on. Those who refused to come for rehearsals or come to the backstage early for their performance could not go on stage.
“It is unfair that artistes who are lodged in the hotel get to the show late while those coming from Iyana Ipaja get here on time.”
Many artistes either boycotted the award or came to the venue late.
The show was marred by the absence of many of the winners whose awards had to be collected by proxy.
Lawani is, however, convinced that starting events on time and ending early is the best way to go.
“People may criticise aspects of this show but we are proud of what we did,” he concluded.
