KATHMANDU:

Hits FM is set to rock the nation with its annual awards function — Closeup 11th Hits FM Music Awards 2007 to be held at BICC on December 14.

The first Hits FM Awards ceremony took place in 1997 with the sole purpose of encouraging and promoting Nepali artistes and the music industry. They had just seven categories. This year they have 20 categories.

They have also introduced a new category — Best Arrangement Award — in recognition of the efforts put in by music arrangers.

Apart from awarding the outstanding performers and creators, they also honour and acknowledge veteran artistes with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The name of the receiver of this award will be revealed only on the awards day.

Hits FM will also pay tribute to legendary musician late Dibya Khaling for his contribution to the Nepali music industry.

The event has an impressive lineup of artistes and bands that are going to entertain the audience — from well-known singers like Deepesh Kishor Bhattarai, Udesh Shrestha backed by rock band Mukut, Kunti Moktan, Rajesh Payal Rai, 1974 AD to Nabin K Bhattarai among others. Another highlight of the event is the Springwood fashion show choreographed by Prashant Tamrakar.

The 11th Hit FM Awards is sponsored by Closeup, co-sponsored by Springwood in association with Machhapu-chchhre Bank, Nepal Share Market and Finance Ltd, Hero Honda Karizma and Philips. Annapurna Post is the official print media.