As the organisers of the 2009 Hip Hop World Award formally announce nominations into various categories and grand preparations for the event, the Chief Exceutive Officer,Mr.Ayo Animashaun told newsmen this afternoon that the award is indeed worth dying for.Animashaun also announced that the D-day is May 16 2009.
Animashaun, who made the remark at Protea Hotel,Ikeja,Lagos venue of a press conference, also disclosed that the award would take place at the International Conference Centre,Abuja.The previous editions were held in Lagos.The Pre-award nominee party would also take place at a village in Sango Ota.Bisoye Fagade,who is expected to be the 'village headmaster' disclosed that it would be great fun with a number of activities lined up.He also mentined that it is a way of promoting african culture and values.
CEO of Hip Hop world awards- Ayo Animashaun also made it public that the award’s committee has brought on board Video Director cum on air Personality Kemi Adetiba and multi talented singer Bankole Wellington.
‘Kemi Adetiba and Banky W will be hosting this year’s awards, and we are proud to be working with such exceptional talents’ he told journalists this afternoon.
‘It is a unique opportunity for me’ says Kemi Adetiba ‘because I know Hip hop World Awards is one of the biggest awards in Africa, and really, I am so glad to be involved’
An unrepentant hip hop head and music connoisseur, Kemi Adetiba is herself an established on air Personality who first savoured the media industry as a little girl while accompanying her father, Dele Adetiba, to radio and television stations. And now, more than a decade after, her CV possesses a swell of radio and TV jobs and invaluable skills and experience which continue to push her up the ladder. She’s been an on-air personality on Silver bird’s Rhythm 93.7, guest analyst on Cool FM 96.9, and co-presenter on M-NET's Studio 53.
Accompanying Adetiba to guide guests through the night’s activities is talented song-writer, singer and ladies’ man Olubankole Wellington, popularly called Banky W. Blessed with an incomparably smooth voice, near-excellent writing and production skills, Banky stormed the Nigerian music scene towards the end of 2007 with a remake of Rihanna’s Umbrella, and immediately caught the attention of an industry in search of fresh ideas and faces. He soon wormed his way into the hearts of critics, sceptics, the media and fans; eventually building for himself, a career that has continued to thrive.
‘It is good to see that there are people who accept and appreciate what you do, and I can boldly say that Hip hop World is one of them. The journey has not been so smooth, but what can I say, I just thank God for this unique opportunity, and I am very positive that I won’t take for granted the opportunity that has been vested on me’ Banky W says
Past hosts of the awards include Darey Art Alade (2006), Dbanj and Tana (2007), Dakore Egbuson and Basket mouth (2008).
‘We always look out for individuals who believe so much in themselves and who have all it takes to represent Nigeria anywhere in the world. That’s what we saw in our past hosts, and that is what we see in Kemi Adetiba and Banky W.
A total of twenty two plaques (called heady) made up of 21 carat gold will be given out to deserving music industry professionals whose works have been screened by a team of select critics and practitioners commissioned by the organisers.
CATEGORIES FOR HIP HOP WORLD AWARDS 2009
HHWA1- Album of the Year
Best album (solo or group) in year under review that meets judges’ requirements of excellence (in every realm: song writing, production, rendition, promotion and acceptability (sales, popularity)
HHWA 2- Artiste of the Year
Most critically and commercially adjudged artiste in the year under review. Overall most successful artiste for the year under review.
HHWA 3- Song of the Year
Most popular song from an album in year under review. Decided by voting
HHWA4- Recording of the Year
Best single recording (on-air only or released) by artiste or group in year under review. Originality and production very essential
HHWA 5- Producer of the Year
The individual responsible for producing the most acclaimed album in the year under review. His CV for the year includes top notch tracks and production credits no one can fault.
HHWA6- Best Music Video (Award goes to Director)
Best conceptualist, best edited, best directed and most exciting video in year under review as voted by fans and decided by the jury.
HHWA7- Best Reggae/Dancehall Album
Best reggae or dancehall album in year under review
HHWA 8- Best R ‘n’ B/ Pop Album
Best R&B or pop album in year under review (by single individual or group)
HHWA9- Best Rap Album
Best album by a rap artiste or group in year under review
HHWA10- Best Collabo
Best R&B, Pop or hip hop collaborative track (including cameos) in year under review
HHWA11- Best Rap Single
Best single released on-air recording of a rap song
HHWA12- Best Vocal Performance (Male)
Single male artiste with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album
HHWA 13- Best Vocal Performance (Female)
Single female act with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album
HHWA 14- Next Rated
Most promising upcoming officially unreleased act in the year under review
HHWA 15- Hip Hop World Revelation
Best new artiste in the year under review
HHWA 16- African Artiste of the Year (Non Nigerian Category)
Special award for an individual African artiste with the most outstanding album and astonishing achievements in year under
HHWA 17- Lyricist on the Roll
Rap Artiste with best lyrical depth and performance on a single song or album
HHWA 18- HIPHOP WORLD HALL OF FAME
Non competitive category
HHWA 19- BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS
Music video with the best and innovative special effects which helped push the concept of the video
HHWA 20- BEST STREET HOP
The most popular street-hop single in year under review
HHWA 21- BEST DIASPORA ACT
The most successful Nigerian artiste outside Nigeria in year under review