The New Zealand Music Awards have changed one of their awards categories, following an outcry at last year's ceremony when singer Aaradhna accused organisers of racism. The Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards announced today that nominations for this years awards are now open, and added that there had been some changes to the categories. The most notable change is the award for Best Urban/Hip Hop Album has been split into two new categories: Best hip hop artist and Best soul/R&B artist. Other changes will see the Best Male Solo Artist and Best Female Solo Artist categories merged into the new category of Best Solo Artist. The main categories for 2017 are now as follows: Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Best Group, Best Solo Artist, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Best Maori Artist, Best Rock Artist, Best Hip Hop Artist, Best Soul/RnB Artist, Best Electronic Artist, Best Roots Artist, Best Pop Artist, Best Alternative Artist, Best Worship Artist and Best Classical Artist.

Source: Otago Daily Times June 21, 2017 04:30 UTC