According to a statement released by the Hits FM on Sunday, the nominations in various categories are based on 50 per cent votes from the general public solicited through Hits FM website: hitsfm.com.np and Hits SMS 9120 and the rest half from an internal jury. Singles and albums released and registered from Baisakh 2065 (April 2008) to Chaitra 2065 (April 2009) at the Hits FM office were eligible for the Awards.
At the times when Nepali music industry has seen a severe slump due to piracy, bad music and poor quality of musicians, the Awards hope to revive the spirit of musicians and musicmakers.
Anju Pant, who the BBC Nepali Service claimed as the new Aruna Lama -- a songstress-at-large of the last century, is leading the fray with five nominations, followed by Jagadish Samal, Ram Krishna Dhakal, Adrian Pradhan and Rorry and Friends with four nominations. Debutantes Lokendra Rai, Phursang Lama, Sabnam Gurung and Shreya Sotang have been nominated in three categories each, while Sotang is up on nomination against her parents Uday and Manila Sotang in the Best Vocal Collaboration category.
In all, there are 19 different categories that will be reviewed by a jury of music experts, who will ultimately decide the winners amidst a star-studded event next month. The day for the actual finale is yet to be announced.
Incepted in 1997, the Hits FM Music Awards has been the longest and most popular national music awards in the country and thus has become an integral part of the development and growth of the Nepali music. Hits FM is one of the premier independent radio stations in Kathmandu and been working with the musicians for to uplift their creativity and artistic freedom.
Related story
Hong Kong drama bags nominations at Golden Horse Awards
