ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HHWA 09
Known for daring to achieve the seemingly impossible, Hip hop World Awards has over the years set new standards and has been able to carve a niche in an industry where mediocrity reigned supreme.And fortunately, it often happens that the ambitious but painstakingly executed experiments we have embarked upon usually work out. This is why fourteen years after the magazine first hit news shelves, there has been a number of remarkable events and achievements that highlight the power of possibilities. It is no wonder the awards has not only been considered as the most organized awards, but as the most credible music awards in Nigeria.VENUEThis year’s edition of the Hip hop world awards will hold at the International Conference center Abuja. This is the first time the awards is leaving its base in Lagos State.‘It is a dream come true for us to be taking the awards outside Lagos. It is obvious that the event, though a totally homegrown initiative, is already an international brand and every aspect of the process this year will reflect not just the stature of HHWA, but also the stature of the Nigerian music industry’ Ayo Animashaun saysHOSTSThis year’s hosts Kemi Adetiba and Banky W were formally introduced to Journalists at a world press conference on February 10 2009.An unrepentant hip hop head and music connoisseur, Kemi Adetiba is herself an established on air Personality who first savored 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 saysPast hosts of the awards include Darey Art Alade (2006), Dbanj and Tana (2007), Dakore Egbuson and Basket mouth (2008)SPONSORSAs usual, Hip Hop World Awards will again be sponsored by Nigeria’s foremost telecommunications company- MTN Nigeria. Others include Lipton and Dana Motors.HEADIE PLAQUEThe Headie plaque represents the image and the yell of a young, vibrant man whose talent can challenge that of Nas, Modenine, Kanye West, Sound Sultan and Jay Z combined but who has almost lost confidence in his abilities in the face of daunting odds presented by the Nigerian environment.A total of twenty plaques (called headie) 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 organizersThe Headie plaque is designed by ACE Awards in England, an international awards, plaques and trophies manufacturing company. Over the years they have manufactured the plaques of many notable awards such as the GrammysTHEMEThis year’s awards has been tagged ‘a prize to die for’‘‘We want artistes to see the awards as a prize to die for’’, says Animashaun. ‘‘Being nominated or winning is a big deal in itself. And those who go home with the award will tell you it’s made of pure 21 carat gold. When we say we want to reward talents, we want people to know that we mean it. So when you have a heady on your award shelf, you’ll see that it’s different from all other ones you’ve had. So you want to work harder and even win more next year. That’s what we want. And that’s why it’s going to be a prize you want to give anything to have; a prize to die for. The cars, money, equipments and others are just icing on the cake’’.PERFORMERSIn all, 13 artistes have will be performing at this year’s hip hop world awards.Top on the list are amazing rave of the moment Abolore Akande popularly known as 9ice, Lyricist and rapper MI, new kid on the block Kel, and rising female singer Omawumi.Others are Lord of Ajasa, Nikky Laoye, Zeez, Darey Art Alade, Banky W, 2face Idibia and rested loose coalition- ‘Da trybe’ comprising of Eldee, Del, KB, Sasha, Dr. Sid, 2shotz, Freestyle and Blaise.Banky W who first hit lime light in 2007 with ‘Ebutte Metta’ will thrill fans with songs off his debut album ‘Mr. Capable’, and select singles off his upcoming second LP9ice will perform his hit song- ‘Gongo Aso’, and there is no doubt he will excite fans the way he did last year.Darey Art Alade will make his first major performance of the hit single ‘Not the girl’‘This year’s awards is going to be exceptional, there will be so much excitement people should look forward to more exciting performances this year, I am so sure the crowd will find it exciting seeing Da Trybe on stage again, they have not performed together for a long time, every one has been busy doing their own thing, where else will they be reuniting if not on our stage?’ Efe Omorogbe, head of talent at HHWA says.PRESENTERSTo present the headie to those who will be named winners at this year’s award’s ceremony are renowned individuals who are grounded in what they do. They will cut across different industries, be it comedy, music, TV, Nollywood law, media all the way to Fashion.Top on the list is Ali Baba, inspiration FM’s Wale Ewedemi, Festus Keyamo, Steve Babaeko, Tonye Ibiama, Tyeng Gyang, Fela Durotoye and Kenny St Brown. Others are Ego Ihenaecho, Howie T, ID Cabasa and many more.THEME SONG AND VIDEOThis year’s theme song was composed by three talented and wave making artistes- Kel, MI and Banky W and was produced by Eldee the Don.Two months after the song was recorded, the video was shot at the Teslim Balogun stadium on Thursday April 23, 2009, and a lot of celebrities were present, Kemi Adetiba was the director, and she was assisted by Wudi and former MTV Base’s Femi Olagbaiye.The video depicts the theme of this years awards ‘a prize to die for’ as there was a boxing ring where two boxers were fighting to the death for a prize. Banky W and Eldee the Don served as Managers who had placed their money on their individual boxers while MI and Kel encouraged the boxers not to give up.CLOTHIERSA number of clothiers will be working with the award’s team this year. Top on the list is Ituen, Mai, Basi and Jewel by Lisa who will be designing what Kemi Adetiba, the co host for this year’s awards will be putting on throughout the night.For Banky W, everything he’d be wearing will be designed by Clothesense, a clothing line run by Muiyiwa Oshindero. The reporters for Hip on TV will be dressed by Frank Oshodi, Mutay and Mai.THE NOMINEES’ PARTY.This year, the organizers have promised every one present at the nominees party ‘food unusual, drinks unusual and party unusual’ as the nominees’ party will this year be hosted by Ajibogun village, a village located around Sango Otta area of Ogun state.Over the years, the nominees’ party has always been an avenue for artistes, media practitioners and industry entrepreneurs to relate, have a nice time and get into the spirit of the awards. ‘There is no doubt that there will be food unusual, drinks unusual, fun unusual and party unusual’ Abisoye Fagade, the nominees’ party project manager says ‘everyone should come dressed in their native attire and when we say native attire, we don’t mean modern traditional outfit. We are talking about Kembe, Abeti Aja and the rest of them’ Fagade is quick to add.Scheduled for May 8, 2009, the team is doing all they can to make the village conducive for every one who is attending ‘we are making plans for the whole village to be fumigated, and we are building tents where everyone will seat, communicate and have a nice time’ Animashaun says. ‘Everyone is assured of safety, and there will be no need for anyone to drive that far as plans have been made for vehicles that will convey everyone to the venue’ he concludes.Already, voting has commenced for the select artistes that have been nominated for this year’s awards, and fans are having a fill day voting their favorite nominees at www.hiphopworldawards.com and through SMSTHE NOMINEESHHWA1 ALBUM OF THE YEARBest album (solo or group) in year under review that meets judges’ requirements of excellence (in every realm: songwriting, production, rendition, promotion and acceptability (sales, popularity)THE ENTERTAINERArtiste - D’BanjProducer(s) - Don JazzyRecord Label - Mo Hits Records GONGO ASOArtiste - 9iceProducer - ID Cabasa, Puffy T, DJ ZeezRecord Label - Alapomeji RecordsPARADIGM SHIFTArtiste - Mode 9Producer(s) - Kraftwork, Jonah D Monarch, Wazbeat, Light house, Jesse JagzRecord Label - Red Eye MusicTALK ABOUT ITArtiste - M IProducer(s) – Jesse Jagz, M.I, KraftworkRecord Label – Chocolate CityUNSTOPPABLEArtiste – 2FaceProducers – J Sleek, Mic Tunes, Chakademus & Pliers, R Kelly, Sharks, Ozzy, Wayne Mc, Jiggy Jegg, B. HowardRecord Label – Hypertek RecordsHHWA2 ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Most critically and commercially adjudged artiste in the year under review Overall most successful artiste for the year under review.D’BANJ OLADAPO DANIEL OYEBANJO JUNIORPSQUAREPETER AND PAUL OKOYETIMAYAINETIMI ALFRED ODOM9ICEABOLORE AKANDEHHWA3 SONG OF THE YEAR Most popular song from an album in year under review. Decided by voting“FALL IN LOVE”Album – THE ENTERTAINERArtiste- D’banjProducer - Don JazzyRecord Label - Mo Hits“INCASE U NEVER KNOW”Album - MUSIC BUSINESSArtiste – 2Shot ft. TimayaProducer – Terry GRecord Label – Umunamu Records“GONGO ASO”Album- GONGO ASOArtiste - 9iceProducer - ID CabasaRecord Label - Alapomeji Records“GOOD OR BAD”Album - GET SERIOUSArtiste - J Martins ft. Timaya and P-SquareProducer - J MartinsRecord Label - Don Family RecordsHHWA4 RECORDING OF THE YEARBest single recording (on-air only or released) by artiste or group in year under review. Originality and production very essential“STREET CREDIBILITY”Album - GONGO ASOArtiste - 9ICE FT. 2FaceProducer – Id CabasaRecord Label - Alapomeji Records“NOT THE GIRL”Album – UNDAREYTEDArtiste - Dare Art AladeProducer - CobhamsRecord Label – Soul Muzik“MICHELLE”Album – ETCETERAArtiste – EtceteraProducer – Etcetera and Jo’kaynieRecord Label – X3M“CAN’T DO WITHOUT YOU”Album – UNSTOPPABLEArtiste – Tuface Ft. Melissa BriggsProducer – Mic TunesRecord Label - Hypertek MusicHHWA5 PRODUCER OF THE YEARThe 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.TEE-Y MIXAlbum Title – YOU KNOW MY PArtiste - Naeto CSong Title – “KI NI BIG DEAL”DON JAZZYAlbum Title- THE ENTERTAINERArtiste – D’BanjSong Title – “FALL IN LOVE”ID CABASAAlbum Title – GONGO ASOArtiste - 9iceSong Title – “GONGO ASO”TERRY GAlbum – MUSIC BIZNESSArtiste - 2 ShotzSong Title – “IN CASE YOU NEVER KNOW”JESSE JAGZAlbum – TALK ABOUT ITArtiste – M.ISong title – “SHORT BALCK BOY”HHWA6 BEST MUSIC VIDEO (AWARD GOES TO DIRECTOR)Best conceptualised, best edited, best picture, best directed and most exciting video in year under review as voted by fans and decided by the jury.ALFONSO DORMUNAlbum Title – BIG BOYArtiste - eLDeeVideo Song Title – “BO SI GBAN GBA”JUDE OKOYEAlbum Title - GAME OVERArtiste - P SquareVideo Song Title – “ROLL IT”DJ TEEAlbum Title - CVArtiste – Mo Hits All StarsVideo song Title – “PERE”IGHOAlbum Title – GET AWAYArtiste - IghoVideo song Title – “NAIJA BOY”HHWA7 BEST REGGAE/DANCEHALL ALBUM Best reggae or dancehall album in year under reviewGIFT AND GRACEArtiste - TimayaProducer(s) - K Solo, Akeem D’Beat, Jeggs, Spankie, Terry G,Record Label – Dem MamaME MUSIQ AND IArtiste – BlackfaceProducers – George Nathaniel, Blackface Naija, Terry G, Pro-Kessy, Henry Hope,Record Label – Loud Houz EntertainmentICHIBANArtiste - Chakka Da’ SouljahProducer(s) - Del BRecord Label - Premier MusicMY SHINEArtiste – Black SoloProducer(s) - Jah Mix, Zeeno Foster, DMMRecord Label - Kiss MusicHHWA8 BEST R ‘N’ B/ POP ALBUMBest R&B or pop album in year under review (by single individual or group)THE ENTERTAINERArtiste- D’BanjProducer(s) - Don JazzyRecord Label- Mo HitsUNSTOPPABLEArtiste – 2FaceProducer(s) – J Sleek, Mic Tunes, Chakademus & Pliers, R Kelly, Sharks, Ozzy, Wayne Mc, Jiggy Jegg, B. HowardRecord Label – Hypertek RecordsETCETERAArtiste – EtceteraProducer(s) – Etcetera, Jo’ Kenny, Mr Daz, Chris YakubRecord Label – X3MGONGO ASOArtiste- 9iceProducer(s) - ID Cabasa, Puffy TRecord Label- Alapomeji RecordsMR CAPABLEArtiste - Banky WProducer(s) - ID Cabasa, Music MenRecord Label - Empire Mates EntertainmentHHWA9 BEST RAP ALBUMBest album by a rap artiste or group in year under reviewTALK ABOUT ITArtiste- M IProducer(s) - M I, Jesse Jagz, KraftworksRecord Label- Chocolate CityPARADIGM SHIFTArtiste - Mode 9Producer(s) - Kraftwork, Jonah D Monarch, Wazbeat, Light house, Jesse JagzRecord Label- Red Eye EntertainmentSECOND TURNING BY THE RIGHTArtiste - Lord Of AjasaProducer(s) - ID Cabasa,Record Label – Oti Po JuYOU KNOW MY PArtiste - Naeto CProducer(s) - Tee-Y MixRecord Label - Storm RecordsHHWA10 BEST COLLABO Best R&B, Pop or hip hop collaborative track (including cameos) in year under review“STREET CREDIBILITY” Artistes – 9ice FT 2FaceProducer – ID CabasaRecord label- Alapomeji Records“LE FENU SO” Artistes - Lord Of Ajasa FT 9iceProducer – ID CabasaRecord Label- O Ti Po Ju“GOOD OR BAD Artistes - J Martins FT Timaya AND P-SquareProducer – J MartinsRecord Label- Don Family Records“E FI MI LE” Artistes - YQ FT Da GrinProducer – Dr. FrabzRecord Label- 2 Koncept Entertainment“BUSH MEAT” Artistes - Sound Sultan FT 2Face & W4Producer – J SleekRecord Label- Naija NinjaHHWA11 BEST RAP SINGLEBest single released on-air recording of a rap song“SAFE”Artiste(s) – M I ft DjineeProducer – M.IRecord Label- Chocolate City“TALKING TO YOU”Artiste(s) – Mode 9 ft Banky WProducer – Banky WRecord label- Red Eye Music“WA WA ALRIGHT”Artiste(s) – KelProducer – SuspectRecord Label- Capital Hills Records“KINI BIG DEAL”Artiste(s) – Naeto CProducer – Tee-Y MixRecord Label- Storm RecordsHHWA12 BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE)Single male artiste with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or albumDARE ART ALADEAlbum Title - UNDAREYTEDRecord Label – Soul MuzikProducer - CobhamsSong Title - “NOT THE GIRL”BANKY WAlbum Title - MR CAPABLERecord Label - Empire Mates EntertainmentProducer- Muzik MenSong Title - “DON’T BREAK MY HEART”ETCETERAAlbum Title - ETCETERAProducer- Etcetera and Jo’KaynieRecord label – X3MSong Title- “MICHELLE”WANDE COALAlbum Title - FROM M TO MProducer- Don JazzyRecord Label – Mo HitsSong Title- “TABOO”HHWA13 BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE) Single female act with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or albumOMAWUMIAlbum Title - WONDER WOMANProducer - CobhamsRecord Label – Wonder WomanSong Title - “IN THE MUSIC”NIKKI LAOYEAlbum Title - ANGEL 4 LIFEProducer - CobhamsRecord Label – Wahala Media EntertainmentSong Title - “NEVER FELT THIS WAY BEFORE”WAJEAlbum Title- BREATHLESS (Unreleased)Producer - J MartinsRecord Label – Dome RecordsSong Title- “SOMEWHERE”HHWA14 NEXT RATEDMost promising upcoming officially unreleased act in the year under reviewYQTrack Title – “E FI MI LE”Record Label – 2Koncept EntertainmentMPTrack Title – “PASA PASA”Record Label – Lime Lite RecordsKELTrack Title – “WA WA ALRIGHT”Record Label - Capital Hills RecordsD’JINEETrack Title – “LADE”Record Label – Polar MediaOMAWUMITrack Title – “IN THE MUSIC”Record Label – Wonder WomanHHWA15 HIP HOP WORLD REVELATIONBest new artiste in the year under reviewM IAlbum - TALK ABOUT ITFull Name – JUDE ABAGARecord Label – Chocolate CityBANKY WAlbum- MR CAPABLEFull Name – BANKOLE WELLINGTONRecord Label – Empire Mates EntertainmentNAETO CAlbum- YOU KNOW MY PFull Name – NAETOCHUKWU CHIKWERecord Label – Storm RecordsNIKKI LAOYEAlbum- ANGEL FOR LIFEFull Name – NIKKI LAOYERecord Label – Wahala Media EntertainmentHHWA16 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 reviewBUFFALO“BUBBLE YOUR BUMZ”TINNY“I DEY KOLO”DOGG“CAN YOU FEEL IT”WITNESS“ZERO”HHWA17 LYRICIST ON THE ROLLRap Artiste with best lyrical depth and performance on a single song or albumMODE 9Album Title- PARADIGM SHIFTRecord Label- Red Eye MusicSong Title - NINEM IAlbum Title - TALK ABOUT ITRecord Label - Chocolate CitySong Title – TALK ABOUT ITLORD OF AJASAAlbum Title - SECOND TURNING BY THE RIGHTRecord Label - O Ti Po JuSong Title – ESA LO BA DEDAGRINAlbum Title – CEO (Unreleased)Record Label - Satty Record and Mi So Fun YinSong Title - PON PON PONHHWA18 BEST STREET HOPThe most popular street-hop single in year under review“E SA LO BA DE”Artiste- Lord Of Ajasa“PON PON PON”Artiste- Da Grin“04 KA SI BE”Artiste- DJ Zeez“E FI MI LE”Artiste-YQ“COLLABO”Artiste- DeeBeeHHWA19 HIPHOP WORLD HALL OF FAMENon competitive categoryGRAND MASTER LEEPHILLIP TRIMNELL