SA, Nigeria dominate BET Awards nominations

16 May 2017 - 15:02

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

It’s almost only Nigerian and South African artists competing in the Best International Act: Africa category at this year’s BET Awards. The nominees were announced on Monday in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Tekno and Babes Wodumo are among the artists listed in the Best International Act: Africa category

Nigeria leads the nominees list with four artists while South Africa and Ghana follow with three and one nominations respectively. The nominees are Tekno (Nigeria), Wizkid (Nigeria), Mr Eazi (Nigeria), Davido (Nigeria), Nasty C (South Africa), AKA (South Africa), Babes Wodumo (South Africa) and Stonebwoy (Ghana).

Last year, South Africa’s Black Coffee, who this month was included in the Forbes list of Africa’s richest musicians, won the coveted award ahead of AKA, Cassper Nyovest, Diamond Platnumz, MzVee, Serge Beynaud, Wizkid and Yemi Alade.

BET youth and music vice-president Monde Twala said the Best International Act: Africa category is responsible for uncovering African music to new markets and fans.

“Africa has a rich cultural heritage and the BET Awards reflect the power of our culture through music,” he said. “This annual celebration puts the spotlight on African artists and exposes their amazing talent to the world. We wish the nominees well and congratulate them for the hard work and effort over the last year.”

Monday’s announcement was hosted by Nandi Mngoma and artists who were present at the event included AKA, Babes Wodumo and Tresor.

AKA follows proceedings during the announcement

The BET Awards ceremony will take place at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles on 25 June and all the nominees from Africa are expected to be present at the grand event. Voting is now open on the BET Africa official website until 26 May 2017.

Every year, the BET Awards recognise the growing international appeal of African music by nominating eight popular artist ahead of the event. South Africa and Nigeria have always enjoyed their place in the African category, which has led artists from other countries on the continent to criticise the event as being biased. Another concern is that African artists are not given ample stage time compared to their US colleagues.

The rest of the nominees outside Africa were announced in Los Angeles, also on Monday. Leading the pack is Beyoncé who dominates this year’s nominees list with seven nods. Close behind is Bruno Mars with five nods, followed by Chance the Rapper, Solange and Migos who are tied at four apiece.

The awards will be broadcast on BET (DStv channel 129) on 27 June at 8pm CAT.

Here is a list of the nominees:

Best International Act: Africa

AKA (South Africa)
Babes Wodumo (South Africa)
Davido (Nigeria)
Nasty C (South Africa)
Stonebwoy (Ghana)
Tekno (Nigeria)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Mr Eazi (Nigeria)

Best International act: Europe

Booba (France)
Mhd (France)
Craig David (UK)
Emeli Sande (UK)
Giggs (UK)
Skepta (UK)
Stormzy (UK)
Wiley (UK)

Best Female R&B/pop artist

Beyoncé
Kehlani
Mary J. Blige
Rihanna
Solange

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

Bruno Mars
Chris Brown
The Weekend
Trey Songz
Usher

Best Group

2 Chainz & Lil Wayne
A tribe called quest
Fat Joe & Remy Ma
Migos
Rae Sremmurd

Best Collaboration

Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar – ‘Freedom’
Chance the rapper ft. 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne – ‘No Problem’
Chris Brown ft. Gucci Mane & Usher – ‘Party’
DJ Khaled ft. Beyoncé & Jay Z – ‘Shining’
Migos ft. Lil Uzi vert – ‘Bad and Boujee’
Rae Sremmurd ft. Gucci Mane – ‘Black Beatles’

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

Big Sean
Chance the rapper
Drake
Future
J. Cole
Kendrick Lamar

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

Cardi B
Missy Elliott
Nicki Minaj
Remy Ma
Young MA

Video of the Year

Beyoncé – ‘Sorry’
Big Sean – ‘Bounce Back’
Bruno Mars – ‘24k Magic’
Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert – ‘Bad and Boujee’
Solange – ‘Cranes in the Sky’

Video Director of the Year

Benny Boom,
Bruno Mars & Jonathan
Director X
Hype Williams
Kahlil Joseph & Beyoncé Knowles

Best New Artist

21 Savage
Cardi B
Chance the rapper
Khalid
Young M.A.

Album of the Year

24k Magic – Bruno Mars
4 Your Eyez Only – J Cole
A Seat at the Table – Solange’
Colouring Book – Chance the rapper
Lemonade – Beyoncé

Dr Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award

Cece Winans – ‘Never have to be alone’
Fantasia ft. Tye Tribbett – ‘I Made It’
Kirk franklin ft. Sarah Reeves, Tasha Cobbs & Tamela Mann – ‘My World Needs You’
Lecrae – ‘Can’t Stop Me Now (destination)’
Tamela Mann – God Provides

Best Actress