SINGAPORE: Last night Japanese hip hop group Rip Slyme won kudos at the second annual MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2003 (VMAJ 2003). The group won three awards for the best video of the year; the best group video; and the best hip hop video this year. 
The group was the 2002 winner of the best new artist and the best hip hop at the inaugural show last year. The three-hour event will premiere on MTV South East Asia on 27 June at 8 pm.
An official release informs that the programme which featured Japanese and international presenters and performances is the only international music event and award ceremony in the land of the rising sun this year. Portions of the show will also be available through MTV's 38 channels around the world and through syndication, reaching a potential viewing audience of over 377.1 million households in 164 territories.
MTV fans and viewers voted for their favourite local and international artists in 14 different categories from April till May 2003 via the MTV Web site (www.mtvjapan.com) and via the official mobile phone site (MTV Mobile).
Hosted by hip hop artist Zeebra and pop singer/actress Nana Katase, the event saw performances from international acts Blue, Craig David, Run-D.M.C and Eve along with Japanese acts 175R, Chemistry, Crystal Kay, M-Flo, Rip Slyme, Rize, Sketch Show, Sphere of Influence and Supercar.
International celebrity presenters included Courtney Love, Johnny Knoxville. Keanu Reeves, Jada Pinkett Smith, Laurence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving, Joel Silver from the box office smash Matrix Reloaded were also on hand.
Unlike other awards ceremonies, the VMAJ 2003 gives music fans the opportunity to select Japanese and international artists in the same category fields. Finalists in each of the 14 categories were selected by MTV Japan viewers and the special selection committee.
Any Japanese or international artist who released a CD in Japan between 1 March 2002 and 28 February 2003 and also produced a music video was eligible for VMAJ 2003 nomination.