Lagos — The much talked about hip-hop world awards is very much around the corner, and as it gets closer, artistes who are on the bill to perform are already warming up to storm Abuja, the venue of the awards.

According to a statement signed by the awards CEO, Ayo Animashaun, top on the lists 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, Darey Art Alade, Banky W, 2face Idibia and rested loose coalition- 'Da Trybe' comprising of Eldee , Del , KB, Sasha, 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 sophomore album

9ice 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 his 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 ourstage?' Ayo Animashaun says.

Already tagged 'a prize to die for', this year's awards will hold at the International Conference Centre Abuja, on Saturday, May 16, and will be hosted by Banky W and Kemi Adetiba.

Even though there are indications that some foreign acts will be performing at the awards ceremony. Animashaun says- 'we have promised you an award that matches international standards, he insists .

The ceremony promises to be full of surprises and it's going to be the first of its kind', he explains. 'If there is any gospel the award has preached over the years, it is the power of Possibilities'. He re- assures again.

Last year, 9ice thrilled the crowd and brought the roof down with Gongo Aso. In 2006, Dbanj dazzled the fans when he appeared on stage with a towel.

The awards ceremony which will be officially sponsored by MTN and Lipton will commence with the yellow carpet ceremony.

Etcetera releases new video

The X3m records' prized act is not your regular singer, and with an uncommon style that combines rock, r 'n' b and soul, He has made a fusion which he calls "soft rock". And as fans and critics thirst and hunger for good music, Paschal Uche Ejikeme effortlessly brings it to the table.

His singles Mitchell, Love should last and lie for you, enjoyed massive air play on radio in 2006 and won him the most played artiste in Rhythm and Cool FM. The genre of music he has established is basically soft rock, but he makes use of constant elements from his environment which he spices with catchy and diverse atoms. This is why most of the time; Etcetera is often mistaken by many to be a foreign artist when they hear his music.

And now, the act has done it again as he released a video titled 'Hello' on April 1, 2009.

The video for 'Hello' which was shot in Cape Town, South Africa by David Wacklin shows Etcetera trying to encourage everyone that they can be what they want to be if they put their mind to it. 'I am trying as hard as I can to make the best out of rock music and out of myself. I don't want to be referred to as a local artiste, as a musician, I wouldn't mind if I am being compared with what we have out there ." Etcetera says. He is presently in the studio working on a yet to be titled second album.

The singer-songwriter is currently signed onto X3m music, a record label managed by Steve Babaeko. The record label was responsible for the release of his debut self titled album 'Etcetera' which rolled out hit tracks such as Biafra, Life for you, Michelle, love should last and Miss H's IV.