Banky W and Kemi Adetiba have been named the hosts of the fourth edition of the Hip Hop World Awards scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, May 16, 2009.
Ayo Animashaun, chief executive of Hip Hop World, announced this at a press conference, Feb 17, 2009, in Lagos. Animashuan said that the choice of the hosts was as a result of their contributions to the Nigerian entertainment scene: “Banky is a gifted act who returned to Nigeria from his US base last year and has already earned a lot of fans...Kemi...is fresh from the New York Film School and has worked with Silverbird’s Rhythm Fm and MNET as an on-air personality”.
Kemi and Banky both expressed satisfaction over the level of professionalism exhibited by the organisers and promised to live up to the expectations.
The theme for the 2009 edition is ‘A Prize to Die For.’ Animashaun promises that this year’s ceremony will be the best ever witnessed in the country in recent times. “We want artistes to see the awards as a prize to die for, because being nominated or winning is a big deal in itself. Those who go home with the awards will see that it is made of pure 21 carat gold. The awards will be hotter this year, so you really have to deserve it to earn it. We will be in Abuja to cater for our fans outside Lagos who have complained about been left out...”
Nominations in 22 categories are being compiled from artistes’ entries. The submitted work will be screened by an unnamed team of select critics and practitioners. Categories include Album of the Year, Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, Producer of the Year and The Next-Rated category whose winner will drive away in a brand new car.
Artistes billed to perform at the event include 9ice, Lord of Ajasa, Darey, Timaya, MI, Kel, Da Trybe and several surprise appearances to be announced later by the organisers.
The theme song for the awards was presented at the event. The untitled track is performed by Eldee, Kel, Banky W, and MI.