Meet the hosts for HHWA 2009, Kemi and Banky!

It is no longer news that the duo of music crooner, Bankole Wellington and suave presenter, Kemi Adetiba would be hosting this year's version of Hip hop world awards which holds in the international conference centre in Abuja. I decided to give you guys a little info about them for those who would love to know, somewhat like what they have been up to, stuffs they have done and all that.

THE VENUE FOR THE EVENT: THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE IN ABUJA




PICS OF KEMI ADETIBA AND BANKY W IN RIO




















KEMI ADETIBA






Kemi got her first taste of the media industry as a little girl accompanying her father, Dele Adetiba, to radio and television stations. "He used to be an on-air personality himself and then he joined Lintas, the advertising company, and I was privileged to be behind-the scenes when some commercials were being shot. Actually I did some commercials myself as well." "I started my career relatively early, I think when I was about 21 years old, and I've been in the industry ever since. I joke with people that I feel like a veteran already." Hers is a story of luck, chance, opportunity and fate.

Her CV boasts a slew of radio and TV jobs where she acquired valuable experience which has attributed to her success. From her start as a radio anchor on Silverbird's Rhythm 93.7, Kemi transitioned to television, eventually securing a gig as a presenter on M-NET's Studio 53, a move which catapulted her squarely into the spotlight. "Every single person, opportunity and place of work has helped me along my career, whether good or bad.

Everything is a journey and you never learn anything if you stay static in a position or if everything goes exactly the way you want it. I can confidently say I am who I am today because of everyone that has given me an opportunity along the way."

Asked if she always had a flair for presenting, Kemi responded, "I still feel I don't. It takes a lot of mental preparation before I go on stage or before the camera is turned on. I still suffer from anxiety before I'm about to go on stage or when a director is counting down for an on-camera performance. The difference now is, I have discovered over the years, exercises that turn the anxiety or nervousness into adrenaline."

Pushing the boundaries

While currently living in New York, Kemi shuttles between the Big Apple and Lagos frequently. "I was in Nigeria four times last year for work. It's looking like I might be spending more time this year at home, or even moving back altogether. I just have to see what God has planned. Right now, I'm focused more on the production side of things. I direct and produce more these days, although there are a couple of projects coming up soon that'll put me back in front of the camera."




BANKOLE WELLIGNTON (BANKY W)






A gifted songwriter, producer and vocalist, Banky has been able to connect with his fans on a personal level, creating an almost cult-like following worldwide. Born Olubankole Wellington in the United States, he grew up in Lagos, where he began singing in his church choir at the age of eight. After completing secondary school, he moved to New York to attend college; earning a degree in Engineering. In college, Banky continued to pursue his passion for music, singing, performing at talent shows, and working on his sound.

While still in college, he won the 'Albany Idol' competition, which catapulted him into the spotlight. He quickly became an in demand artist on the local music scene; performing alongside major acts on tour. He wowed audiences with his silky smooth voice building a loyal following; he established a record label as a platform to get his music to his fans and began work on an EP.

'Undeniable: The EP' was Banky's first release on Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.) Records; it was sold online, at shows and out the trunk of their vehicles. The buzz around the album caught the ears of the executives at Fox 23 News New York who promptly dispatched a reporter with a camera crew to investigate the phenomenon sweeping the area. They were surprised it was a three person company executing a highly successful grassroots marketing campaign. The report became a two part special they aired leading to a distribution deal with TransWorld (Coconut's, Warehouse Music, Spec's Music); one of North America's largest music distributors. It became one of the top selling independent records, won him the 2003 R&B/Soul Artist of the Year at the Urban Independent Music Awards.

In 2005 'Back in the Buildin', an R&B/Soul album was released to critical acclaim; he had crafted a classic record and solidified his status as ground breaking artist. The album spawned the award winning song 'My Regret' and on the strength of this enduring single became an international icon.

The awards and accolades followed with a US Songwriting Award, 2006 Nigerian Entertainment Award – R&B/Soul Artist of the Year and 2007 International Single of the Year to name a few.

In 2006 he became the first African artist to win the prestigious world wide John Lennon Songwriting Award and signed a lucrative US Publishing deal. He has also been a featured artist on AOL and Cingular Wireless Hip Hop Superstar with MTV's Xzibit, numerous magazines covers, as well as touring North America Africa & Europe.

In 2008 he moved to Nigeria after the completion of his latest highly anticipated album 'Mr. Capable' with the sole mission of exposing African music to the world and bringing a high profile presence to the industry. On myspace.com, he has over one million song plays which is a tremendous feat for an independent act. Never before has an artist of this stature, acclaim and talent from the West decided to come back home. And with the world watching he is set to unleash this masterpiece of African
influenced music to a world desperate to hear him; it will never be the same.


I know Kemi is a phenomenom on stage but this is the first i would see Banky do,i know so far so good, it would be a great show and they would pull it off. I think the HHWA crew did a great job choosing this duo. So can we fast forward to may 16, on the d-day!..(lol)

THANK GOD FIRST THURSDAY! TG1ST presents Omawumi and friends...

Remember those who brought you the "MI and friends, thank God its thirsday" show last month? They are up again this month with another artiste and its the funky, sulltry songstress, Omawumi Megbele from the Idols west africa fame.



Jumpstart your weekend at T.G.1ST.T APRIL with WEST AFRICAN IDOLS 1ST RUNNER UP 'OMAWUMI' AT APRIL'S TG1ST AT SILVERBIRD GALLERIA WITH SHANK,KEL,WAJE,CHUDDYK,LALA,DA GRIN AND DEEBEE(COLLABO) !! ON THE 2ND OF APRIL,2009.Shows starts at 7pm!!
Drinks are Free and Sponsored by Johnnie Walker.It cost nothing to get in!!


Omawumi has always been a favourite of mine since the idols days and i intend to be at this show. She has proved all her foes wring after idols and i personally dont regret casting those votes. Rock on girl!

Shirley is back with "the perfect picture"

If you have seen, "Life and Living it" or "Scorned" then you have seen the previous works of Shirley Frimpong- Manso, a ghanian film maker who seems promising. She is out with another movie "THE PERFECT PICTURE".






This is one of those works to look out for and i hope my ghanian brothers and sisters reading this would be attending the premier. It premieres at the national theatre in accra on the 3rd of april, 5 abd 8 pm, tickets cost ghana cds. 20, and could be purchased at National theartre, silverbird lifestyle store, accra mall, Koala airport, shell.


The movie stars: Jackie Appiah, Lydia Forson, Chris Attoh, Nana Kwame, Nana Ashorkor, Osei Sarpong, Adjetey Annang and others.


The story
In what seems like a perfect life, three beautiful women who are pushing thirty make bold attempts to change their lives even when destiny plays its joke on them. With a marriage that seems almost doomed from the beginning, to an affair with an unlikely candidate and the endless pursuit of love, three friends will learn the harsh lessons of life, the challenges of marriage, the fatality of falling in love and the rewards of having a good laugh in the mist of sorrow.

The perfect picture offers a colorful and humorous insight into a world where everything is as perfect as your life and that of your friends.

Up close with Stephanie Okereke.

Hey guys, here is an interview on Stephanie Okereke, one of nollywood's brightest talents. She talked about her movie, "Through the glass" and a whole lot of issues, enjoy!



Written by Ogbonna Amadi, Ben Njoku and Bridget Amaraegbu of VANGUARD

Stephanie Okereke is indeed a queen and if you think this writer is wrong, then you need to visit our newsroom to feel the pulse of some of my colleagues who were on hand to receive her when she came calling on a courtesy visit to our headquarters at the Kiri Kiri canal.

An accomplished movie star and a former beauty queen had several hearts pumping when she sauntered into our newsroom.

Of course she had every reason to identify with the Saturday Vanguard because according to her, “ I’ ve heard about all the beautiful things you guys have been doing to support Nollywood and I want to be part of it”.

Indeed she had a swell time with us and at the end of visit we had a clear picture of Stephanie Okereke and what makes her tick. She also shared with us her experience as a movie producer and more as you’d soon find out. Enjoy:

It’s really nice to see you today in our office...

It’s nice to see you guys too.

So, how are you doing today?

I’m alright, thank you.

You’ve been away for quite sometime, what happened?

I was away to do my movie and after shooting, I returned home to attend the BOBTV event where many people demanded to see the movie, I think BOBTV is good platform for film makers to interact.

So how was the response at BOBTV?

It was awesome, they loved it. I showed the movie on a Tuesday at the event and on Wednesday at the workshop, it was full hall when I arrived. There were a lot of young people and they asked questions on how I did it. Everybody is demanding to see the movie, I think the response was great.

Is that your first ever self produced movie?

Yes it’s the first movie which I wrote, directed, produced and acted all in one.

What was the experience like?

(Laughing) It was a lot of hard work but it was fun. All this happened because I wanted to do something different. In the beginning I was thinking about it myself; Can I do this? How do I go about it?. Should I do it I asked myself? . There were so many challenges ranging from funding, location, getting your cars and so on.

So how were you able, to do it?

Well I was able to do it by God’s grace. It’s just like any other moment you face challenges, then you have to tackle it the best way that you can.

How long have you been in the movie industry, do you think experience has anything to do with producing or directing a movie?

I’ve always been there so age has nothing to do here. I mean over there, they have young directors who are about 16, 17 years and above 50, age shouldn’t be a restriction. You don’t have to be old to be a director.

There are lots of young people in movies abroad. Most of the foreign movies you’ve watched were directed by young people. So as they grow in it, they keep improving and that means a lot of experience. I did my first move in 1997 when I finished secondary school.

Eleven years after, don’t you think it took so long to come this far?

First of all, I wasn’t expecting it and it just happened. And also in life, there is time for everything. There is time for you to make certain decisions and move to another level, so I think this is just the proper time for me to do this.

What is this movie all about?

The movie is centered around responsibility and commitment. A parent’s love for a child. It’s about a guy who doesn’t want to come into relationship and suddenly finds an unknown baby. And this baby opens the way of ImageGod for him to discover himself. So he’s going through the glass of the situation around him and then there’s his relationship with this Nigerian girl.






So it’s all centered around a man?

Yes, a man, the baby and the girl.

Where was this movie shoot and who are the stars?

It was all shot in Los Angeles (LA), and I used Americans, African American, and also some of our African actors.

And who are the American actors?

Well you wouldn’t know but they are quite big in America

You didn’t use any of the stars here in Nigeria?

No. I didn’t use any of my colleagues that you know. It wasn’t an issue of whether I use my colleagues or not. It was an issue of the script. I had to use only those who are characters in the script.

What was the experience like blending Nolly and Hollywood together?

It wasn’t much of a Nollywood thing but I represented Nollywood in the movie (I’m the girl in the story). Even though I didn’t have to tell them who I was, by the time they heard my name, some of them went to the internet and saw the things I had done and they screamed.

They saw that I had a lot of experience. And at the end, they learnt a lot from the movie and they love the fact that they worked with me.

What do you think could be responsible for low turnout of movies in Nollywood?

I think it’s a whole process of trying to get to a particular level and the fact that ideas are conflicting, different strategies and ways of implementing things. I think right now the Nigerian society is complicated as it is. And sometimes for solid things to happen, there has to be this phase of conflict which will soon be over.

So right now people are waiting to see which direction to go. Soon everything will still come back to normal.

There’s a feeling that the earlier we resolve this, the better for Nollywood because right now the situation is bad.

But some actors and actresses are hungry?.

Yes but when you say hungry, I’m like oh my God....

Most people have not actually done any movie in the last one year...

Yes. It’s just like when the writers in America went on strike and everybody was complaining. Right now I think that every sector of the industry has to define their role (film makers, writers, distributor and even the censors board).

Again, since we’re trying to standardise and go global, it’s also important that we draw experience from the international community on how things should be done. People should also stick to their roles because what we see in Nollywood is people trying to interfere with creativity. And you know that creativity is something personal. The way Mr. A perceives is different from that of Mr. B. I believe that if we can do this, we’ll surely make a headway.

Are you saying there’s a lot of busy bodies in the industry?

It’s not about busy body but there is conflict in the industry. At this point, I think we need to harmonise. This conflict has been going on for about two years now. We have to come together this year and harmonise so that we don’t continue in conflict.

With all this conflict, do you think Nollywood can survive?

Yes Nollywood has come to stay and we are not going anywhere. This is just a phase we are going through and we will surely come out of it. The film makers know that this is the time for us to do more quality work and go global. So we have to stop doing movies for ourselves and family members. We should begin to do movies that can cut across several borders so that non-Nigerians can be able to relate with it.

We should also improve on the quality of our work, not this kind of haphazard movies we do in Nollywood. Right now I think there are lot of challenges for film makers.

With all this conflicts in the industry, how do you intend to market your movie?

The major thing is that I have a good work and people are willing to buy. For sure it will work out itself. Right now I’m doing a theatre release of it with Silverbird, then I’ll release DVD later.

Do you think it’s because of poverty that Nigerian movies are produced in part 1, 2, 3 and so on?

I want to let you know that it is poverty mentality that’s affecting Nigerians in almost all sectors of the economy so let’s not restrict it to Nollywood. I want to also let you know that film making pass different stages before it comes to DVD. But in Nigeria we are used to exploring only one stage which is the DVD.

Meanwhile you could make money if you do a theatre release or TV/Internet release before putting it in DVD.

That is why film makers are crying that Nigerians are not buying movies. But I think that they need to win back people’s confidence (give them reasons why they should buy a particular movie). These reasons are in improving the quality of our work. And when this is done even the people who no longer watch our movies will want to watch if they see a good one.

And as per marketing, I think we don’t use the right channel. A movie should be well promoted. A good example of a well promoted movie is the Slumdog Millionaire. Most people never knew the content before they subscribed to it.

People also complain that stories are recycled....

Somebody asked this question at BOBTV and I told them that there is nothing new again. Even in America, stories are recycled. It all depends on what angle you want to take it from and that’s where originality comes in. Julius Caesar has been done so many times but from different angles. Right now there’s nothing original.






What role do you think Nollywood should play in rebranding this nation.
America was able to colonise the whole world today through entertainment. When people watch American movies, they want to behave like them. And that is sometime. When you visit America, it appears you know everywhere because you’ve seen it in the movies.

We are talking about rebranding this nation. So I think they should focus more on the movie industry because movies recreates life. While watching a movie, you see your life presented to you. Don’t forget that through movies, we sell our culture, tourism, perception of this country and a whole lot of things.

Movies move from hand to hand, region to region so it’s easier to sell this country through movie because that’s how America colonised the world today.

It appears you are talking much about movies, what’s happening to your love life right now?

(Laughing) Right now I’m working on promoting and marketing my movie. Love life is something you don’t plan but when the mind is free and open, it comes. You don’t know who you may fall in love with. So at the appropriate time everything will fall into place.

Are you going to get married because you’re in love or because your friends are all getting married?

Right now I’m not married, I’m very single and I don’t want to go into that. No comments please.

You are like a role model to a lot of young ones out there, what advice will you give to them in terms of relationship?

At this point, you really have to think about yourself and what makes you happy as an individual because you have just one life to live.

Yes I went into a relationship and came out of it but what matters is the way you come out of it and what you do with yourself thereafter. It was just an experience I went through but I’ve moved on with my life. And believe me I’m a better person today because I’ve learnt so many things from that experience.

What was your experience like when you...

It was fun and I think it’s a good platform for a lot of young girls to discover themselves and decide which way they go from there. Once you have this platform, how you use it and what you become later matters a lot.

You once took part in the Most Beautiful Girl In Pageant, right?

Yes it was fun

Did it help your career?

Yes it did, it gives you a lot of confidence. Wearing a bikini and moving around a lot of people makes you more confident in yourself. So you’ve got to believe in yourself because if you don’t, you’ll end up being manipulated.

Are you into any form of humanitarian service?

With time I’ll have something an NGO. Sometimes I’m called upon to do some sort of humanitarian service which I oblige to as long as my face or something I say, will make a change.A

Will you remain like this forever?

Of course, I’m not going to stay like this forever. I’m enjoying my life the way it is right now. It’s not compulsory that I must have a man in my life. Life has different phases, there’s a time to be single, married and a time to have children. I am in the single phase.

May be the next phase you meet me, I may be in a relationship or I’m married.

You’ve come a long way in this industry, what trying moments have you faced?

Personally I don’t think I’ve had any such moments. It’s been great all through for me. This industry has made me who I am today.

Where are you from?

I’m from Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State. My full names are Stephanie Onyekachi Okereke.

Are you the only star from your place?

No. My aunty is also a star. She is the Director-.General of Nigerian Stock Exchange and my uncle is the King of my village.

So you are a princess?

Yes. I am.

Hip Hop World Awards 2009 nomination list+ my two cents!

Its stale gist abi? Hey but i just want to make my own predictions as to whom i think would win what.

The nominees for the 2009 HipHop World Awards have been announced. The awards ceremony is scheduled for May 16, 2009 and will be held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. The 2009 HHWA will be hosted by the duo of talented musician Banky W and film maker/presenter Kemi Adetiba.





HHWA1 ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Best 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)

ENTERTAINER
Artiste - D’Banj
Producer(s) - Don Jazzy
Record Label - Mo Hits Records

GONGO ASO
Artiste - 9ice
Producer - ID Cabasa, Puffy T
Record Label - Alapomeji Records

PARADIGM SHIFT
Artiste - Mode 9
Producer(s) - Kraftwork, Jonah D Monarch, Wazbeat, Light house, Jesse Jagz
Record Label - Red Eye Music

TALK ABOUT IT
Artiste - M I
Producer(s) – Jesse Jagz, M.I, Kraftwork
Record Label – Chocolate City

UNSTOPPABLE
Artiste – 2Face
Producers – J Sleek, Mic Tunes, Chakademus & Pliers, R Kelly, Sharks, Ozzy, Wayne Mc, Jiggy Jegg, B. Howard
Record Label – Hypertek Records


I wont be suprised at all if they give this one to D banj oh. But hey i havent even listened to the whole of any of these guys album (shame on me, abi?) so i go waka pass this one.


HHWA2 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 JUNIOR

PSQUARE
PETER AND PAUL OKOYE

TIMAYA
INETIMI ALFRED ODOM

9ICE
ABOLORE AKANDE


I would give Timaya or P square, at least someone else to win this stuff for a change. Think D banj/ 9ice won it last year


HHWA3 SONG OF THE YEAR
Most popular song from an album in year under review. Decided by voting

“FALL IN LOVE”
Album- ENTERTAINER
Artiste- D’banj
Producer - Don Jazzy
Record Label - Mo Hits

“INCASE U NEVER KNOW”
Album - MUSIC BUSINESS
Artiste – 2Shot ft. Timaya
Producer – Terry G
Record Label – Umunamu Records

“GONGO ASO”
Album- GONGO ASO
Artiste - 9ice
Producer - ID Cabasa
Record Label - Alapomeji Records

“GOOD OR BAD”
Album - GET SERIOUS
Artiste - J Martins ft. Timaya and P-Square
Producer - J Martins
Record Label - Don Family Records

Gongo Aso nominated this year again? Are you kidding me? It was nominated at last year's HHWA. Anyways J martin's Good or Bad is my pick. All the way!!!


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

“STREET CREDIBILITY”
Album - GONGO ASO
Artiste - 9ICE FT. 2Face
Producer – Id Cabasa
Record Label - Alapomeji Records

“NOT THE GIRL”
Album – UNDAREYTED
Artiste - Dare Art Alade
Producer - Tee-Y Mix
Record Label – Soul Muzik

“MITCHELL”
Album – ETCETERA
Artiste – Etcetera
Producer – Etcetera and Jo’kaynie
Record Label – X3M

“CAN’T DO WITHOUT YOU”
Album – UNSTOPPABLE
Artiste – Tuface Ft. Melissa Briggs
Producer – Mic Tunes
Record Label - Hypertek Music


Either Darey or Banky


HHWA5 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.

TEE-Y MIX
Album Title – YOU KNOW MY P
Artiste - Naeto C
Song Title – “KI NI BIG DEAL”

DON JAZZY
Album Title- ENTERTAINER
Artiste – D’Banj
Song Title – “FALL IN LOVE”

ID CABASA
Album Title – GONGO ASO
Artiste - 9ice
Song Title – “GONGO ASO”

TERRY G
Album – MUSIC BIZNESS
Artiste - 2 Shotz
Song Title – “IN CASE YOU NEVER KNOW”

JESSE JAGZ
Album – TALK ABOUT IT
Artiste – M.I
Song title – “SHORT BALCK BOY”

Ty Mix or Don baba jeezy!

HHWA6 BEST MUSIC VIDEO (AWARD GOES TO DIRECTOR)
Best conceptualist, best edited, best picture, best directed and most exciting video in year under review as voted by fans and decided by the jury.

ALFONSO DORMUN
Album Title – BIG BOY
Artiste - eLDee
Video Song Title – “BO SI GBAN GBA”

JUDE OKOYE
Album Title - GAME OVER
Artiste - P Square
Video Song Title – “ROLL IT”

DJ TEE
Album Title - CV
Artiste – Mo Hits All Stars
Video song Title – “PERE”

IGHO
Album Title – GET AWAY
Artiste - Igho
Video song Title – “NAIJA BOY”


P square's Roll it

HHWA7 BEST REGGAE/DANCEHALL ALBUM
Best reggae or dancehall album in year under review

GIFT AND GRACE
Artiste - Timaya
Producer(s) - K Solo, Akeem D’Beat, Jeggs, Spankie, Terry G,
Record Label – Dem Mama

ME MUSIQ AND I
Artiste – Blackface
Producers – George Nathaniel, Blackface Naija, Terry G, Pro-Kessy, Henry Hope,
Record Label – Loud Houz Entertainment

ICHIBAN
Artiste - Chakka Da’ Souljah
Producer(s) - Del B
Record Label - Premier Music

MY SHINE
Artiste – Black Solo
Producer(s) - Jah Mix, Zeeno Foster, DMM
Record Label - Kiss Music


TIMAYA


HHWA8 BEST R ‘N’ B/ POP ALBUM
Best R&B or pop album in year under review (by single individual or group)

ENTERTAINER
Artiste- D’Banj
Producer(s) - Don Jazzy
Record Label- Mo Hits

UNSTOPPABLE
Artiste – 2Face
Producer(s) – J Sleek, Mic Tunes, Chakademus & Pliers, R Kelly, Sharks, Ozzy, Wayne Mc, Jiggy Jegg, B. Howard
Record Label – Hypertek Records

ETCETERA
Artiste – Etcetera
Producer(s) – Etcetera, Jo’ Kenny, Mr Daz, Chris Yakub
Record Label – X3M

GONGO ASO
Artiste- 9ice
Producer(s) - ID Cabasa, Puffy T
Record Label- Alapomeji Records

MR CAPABLE
Artiste - Banky W
Producer(s) - ID Cabasa, Music Men
Record Label - Empire Mates Entertainment


I guess Banky, like i said i havent listened to their complete albums, maybe i should.

HHWA9 BEST RAP ALBUM
Best album by a rap artiste or group in year under review

TALK ABOUT IT
Artiste- M I
Producer(s) - M I, Jesse Jagz, Kraftworks
Record Label- Chocolate City

PARADIGM SHIFT
Artiste - Mode 9
Producer(s) - Kraftwork, Jonah D Monarch, Wazbeat, Light house, Jesse Jagz
Record Label- Red Eye Entertainment

SECOND TURNING BY THE RIGHT
Artiste - Lord Of Ajasa
Producer(s) - ID Cabasa,
Record Label – Oti Po Ju

YOU KNOW MY P
Artiste - Naeto C
Producer(s) - Tee-Y Mix
Record Label - Storm Records


I dont need a soothsayer to tell me MI is walking up with this plague

HHWA10 BEST COLLABO
Best R&B, Pop or hip hop collaborative track (including cameos) in year under review

“STREET CREDIBILITY”
Artistes – 9ice FT 2Face
Producer – ID Cabasa
Record label- Alapomeji Records

“LE FENU SO”
Artistes - Lord Of Ajasa FT 9ice
Producer – ID Cabasa
Record Label- O Ti Po Ju

“GOOD OR BAD
Artistes - J Martins FT Timaya AND P-Square
Producer – J Martins
Record Label- Don Family Records

“E FI MI SILE”
Artistes - YQ FT Da Grin
Producer – Dr. Frabz
Record Label- 2 Koncept Entertainment

“BUSH MEAT”
Artistes - Sound Sultan FT 2Face & W4
Producer – J Sleek
Record Label- Naija Ninja

I would go for either J martins' and Timaya's Good or bad or Tuface and sound sultan's bush meat



HHWA11 BEST RAP SINGLE
Best single released on-air recording of a rap song


Good or Bad or Bush meat

“SAFE”
Artiste(s) – M I ft Djinee
Producer – M.I
Record Label- Chocolate City

“TALKING TO YOU”
Artiste(s) – Mode 9 ft Banky W
Producer – Banky W
Record label- Red Eye Music

“WA WA ALRIGHT”
Artiste(s) – Kel
Producer – Suspect
Record Label- Capital Hills Records

“KINI BIG DEAL”
Artiste(s) – Naeto C
Producer – Tee-Y Mix
Record Label- Storm Records

its the M to the I

HHWA12 BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE)
Single male artiste with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album

DARE ART ALADE
Album Title - UNDAREYTED
Record Label – Soul Muzik
Producer- Cobhams
Song Title - “NOT THE GIRL”

BANKY W
Album Title - MR CAPABLE
Record Label - Empire Mates Entertainment
Producer- Muzik Men
Song Title - “DON’T BREAK MY HEART”

ETCETERA
Album Title - ETCETERA
Producer- Etcetera and Jo’Kaynie
Record label – X3M
Song Title- “MICHELLE”

WANDE COAL
Album Title - FROM M TO M
Producer- Don Jazzy
Record Label – Mo Hits
Song Title- “TABOO”

Am tied between Darey and Banky W, but wont be suprised if Banky wins, that guy can sing. Darey is impressive too.

HHWA13 BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)
Single female act with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album

OMAWUNMI
Album Title - WONDER WOMAN
Producer - Cobhams
Record Label – Wonder Woman
Song Title - “IN THE MUSIC”

NIKKI LAOYE
Album Title - ANGEL 4 LIFE
Producer - Cobhams
Record Label – Wahala Media Entertainment
Song Title - “NEVER FELT THIS WAY BEFORE”

WAJE
Album Title- BREATHLESS (Unreleased)
Producer - J Martins
Record Label – Dome Records
Song Title- “SOMEWHERE”


No contest, its Omawumi. But we need more ladies oh, the nominees dem too few.

HHWA14 NEXT RATED
Most promising upcoming officially unreleased act in the year under review

YQ
Track Title – “E FI MI LE”
Record Label – 2Koncept Entertainment

MP
Track Title – “PASA PASA”
Record Label – Lime Lite Records

KEL
Track Title – “WA WA ALRIGHT”
Record Label - Capital Hills Records

D’JINEE
Track Title – “LADE”
Record Label – Polar Media

OMAWUNMI
Track Title – “IN THE MUSIC”
Record Label – Wonder Woman


Its anyone's game


HHWA15 HIP HOP WORLD REVELATION
Best new artiste in the year under review

M I
Album - TALK ABOUT IT
Full Name – JUDE ABAGA
Record Label – Chocolate City

BANKY W
Album- MR CAPABLE
Full Name – BANKOLE WELLINGTON
Record Label – Empire Mates Entertainment

NAETO C
Album- YOU KNOW MY P
Full Name – NAETOCHUKWU CHIKWE
Record Label – Storm Records

NIKKI LAOYE
Album- ANGEL FOR LIFE
Full Name – NIKKI LAOYE
Record Label – Wahala Media Entertainment

eehm, ehhmm. I no sabi this one, e hard oh!


HHWA16 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 review

BUFFALO
“BUBBLE YOUR BUMZ”

TINNY
“I DEY KOLO”

DOGG
“CAN YOU FEEL IT”

WITNESS
“ZERO”

No idea

HHWA17 LYRICIST ON THE ROLL
Rap Artiste with best lyrical depth and performance on a single song or album

MODE 9
Album Title- PARADIGM SHIFT
Record Label- Red Eye Music
Song Title - NINE

M I
Album Title - TALK ABOUT IT
Record Label - Chocolate City
Song Title – TALK ABOUT IT

LORD OF AJASA
Album Title - SECOND TURNING BY THE RIGHT
Record Label - O Ti Po Ju
Song Title – ESA LO BA DE

DAGRIN
Album Title – CEO (Unreleased)
Record Label - Satty Record and Mi So Fun Yin
Song Title - PON PON PON

Its M.I jare. He is the only one with that A-game at the moment, in the list though


HHWA18 BEST STREET HOP
The 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- DeeBee

Am not a fan of any of these so i would gladly pass.

HHWA19 HIPHOP WORLD HALL OF FAME
Non competitive category

GRAND MASTER LEE
PHILLIP TRIMNELL


So guys, what do you think? fair judgement? Anyways its not as if my opinion counts, the real stuff is on the day of the awards in may and then only would we know the real winners. I want to congratulate those who were nominated, good job guys! And to those who werent, better luck next time, maybe you were too good to be noticed or you just didnt try harder.

AMAA 2009 nomination list

Sorry guys that i have been away for so long, been so busy and i havent been able to keep up with the rigours of blogging but i promise not to be gone for that long without a word. So guys, here is the nomination list for AMAA 2009, what do u think of the nominees, do you think they represent


AMAA 2009 NOMINATION LIST

BEST DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT)

a. Per Second Killer (Nigeria)

b. Coming of Age (Kenya)

c. Santos the survivor (Kenya)

d. Lost in the South (Rwanda)

e. Congo my foot (FAR)


BEST DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE)

1. Private Files – Egypt

2. Shit on the Rock – Nigeria

3. Grandma’s not Home – South Africa

4. For the Best and for the Onion – Niger

5. Malcom’s Echo – Dami Akinnusi



BEST SHORT FILM

1. Pamela – Kenya

2. Who is Best? -Zimbabwe

3. The Sharing day – Cameroun

4. Love Is …..

5. Killer Necklace



BEST ANIMATION

1. kono (Burkina Faso)

2. Leila (Burkina Faso)

3. Little Learning is different – Kenya

4. Manani Ogre – Kenya

5. Cheprono – Kenya


AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND

1. From a Whisper

2. Battle of the Soul

3. Seventh Heaven

4. Gugu and Andile

5. Grey Focus



AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING

1. Cindy’s Note

2. Reloaded

3. Modupe Temi

4. Battle of the Soul

5. From a Whisper



AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION

1. Small Boy – Michelle Bello

2. Five Apostles – Ifeanyi Onyeabor

3. Agony of the Christ – Jude Odoh

4. Gugu and Andile – Kay Tickerman

5. Revolution – Eddybongo Uka




AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP

1. Agony of the Christ

2. Live to Remember

3. From a whisper

4. The Assassin

5. Ase n’tedumare




AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECT

1. Five Apostle

2. Battle of the Soul

3. Smoke and Mirrors

4. Agony of the Christ

5. Revolution





BEST ORIGINAL IN SOUNDTRACK

1. Arugba

2. Beautiful Soul

3. From a whisper

4. Agony of the Christ

5. Jenifa



MOST PROMISING ACTOR

1. Litha Booi – Gugu and Andile

2. Mavila Anthana Keriario – Battle of the Soul

3. Ruffy Samuel – Dead End

4. Segun Adefila – Arugba

5. Sherrif Ramzy – Seventh Heaven




MOST PROMISING ACTRESS

1. Bhaira Mcwizu – Cindy’s Note

2. Bukola Awoyemi – Arugba

3. Lydia Farson – Scorned

4. Lungelo Dhladha – Gugu and Andile

5. Mfouemon Bea. Flore – Ma Saah Sah




BEST PERFORMANCE BY A CHILD ACTOR

1. Celia Greenwoood - The Assasin

2. Richard Chukwuma - Small Boy

3. Shanlar Kirunga – Battle of the Soul

4. Samara Milgwi – From a whisper




BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

1. Godfrey Odhiamba – From a whisper

2. Mike Ezuruonye – The Assasin

3. Michel Majid – Agony of the Christ

4. Peter Badejo – Arugba

5. Farouk Alfishawi – Seventh Heaven




BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

1. Stephanie Okereke and Nse Etim – Reloaded

2. Stella Damasus-Aboderin – State of the Heart

3. Corine Onyango – From a whisper

4. Nadia Buari – Agony of the Christ

5. Funke Akindele – Jenifa




BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

1. Femi Adebayo – Apaadi

2. Abubakar Mvenda and Ken Ambani – From a Whisper

3. Neil Mc Carthy – Gugu and Andile

4. Yemi Blaq – Grey Focus

5. Joel Okuyo Prynce – Battle of the Soul



BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

1. Aggie Kebirungi – Battle of the Soul

2. Mercy Johnson – Live to Remember

3. Mosunmola Filani – Jenifa

4. Daphney Hlomoku – Gugu and Andile

5. Chika Ike – The Assassin



BEST FILM IN AFRICAN LANGUAGE

1. Gugu and Andile – South Africa

2. Arugba – Nigeria

3. Mah Saah Sa – Cameroun

4. Uyai – Nigeria

5. Apaadi – Nigeria




AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY

1. From a Whisper – Marius Van Graan

2. Seventh Heaven - Ramses Marzouk

3. Cindy’s Note – Izu Ojukwu

4. Gugu and Andile –Greg Heimann

5. Battle of the Soul – Stephen Njero and Tony Matomi



AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME

1. Agony of the Christ

2. Apaadi

3. Live to Remember

4. Arugba

5. Seventh Heaven



HEART OF AFRICA AWARD FOR BEST FILMS FROM NIGERIA

1. Cindy’s Note – Izu Ojukwu

2. Arugba – Tunde Kelani

3. Beautiful Soul – Tchidi Chikere

4. State of the Heart – Kingsley Omoife and Richard Mofe-Damijo

5. Jenifa – Funke Akindele



BEST SCREENPLAY

1. From a Whisper – Matt Bish

2. Seventh Heaven – Zainab Aziz

3. Through the Glass – Stephanie Okereke

4. Reloaded – Emem Isong

5. Beautiful soul – Tchidi Chikere



BEST PICTURE

1. From a Whisper – Kenya

2. Arugba – Nigeria

3. Gugu and Andile – South Africa

4. Battle of the Soul - Uganda

5. Seventh Heaven - Egypt



BEST DIRECTOR

1. Wanuri Kahiu – From a Whisper (Kenya)

2. Tunde Kelani – Arugba (Nigeria)

3. Minky Schlesinger – Gugu and Andile (South Africa)

4. Math Bish – Battle of the Soul (Uganda)

5. Saad Hendawy – Seventh Heaven (Egypt)