West African popstars up for 2021 NAACP Image Awards

First held in 1967, the NAACP Image Awards honour excellence by people of colour in film, TV, music and literature.

Tiwa Savage was nominated in the Outstanding International Song category for her single ‘Temptation’ featuring English singer Sam Smith, whereas Davido secured a nod for ‘Tanana’ featuring Tiwa Savage.

Beyoncé’s ‘Brown Skin Girl’, which features Wizkid, was nominated in the Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album category. This is Wizkid’s second NAACP Image Award nomination. Last year, ‘Brown Skin Girl’ won the Image Award for Outstanding Duo or Group.

Ghanaian highlife artist Bisa Kdei was nominated in the Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album on Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey together with various artists for the remix of his song ‘Asew’.

Other African nominees include Ghanaian-American actor, dancer and choreographer Nicco Annan and South African comedian and broadcaster Trevor Noah, who is up for the Entertainer of the Year Award.

“We are excited to recognise and celebrate this year’s nominees, who at times throughout this unprecedented year have provided moments of levity, brought our communities together and lifted our spirits through culture when we needed it the most,” NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson said.

BET president Scott Mills said: “BET shares the NAACP’s commitment to engage and empower our community, and we are proud to serve as partners on the 52nd Annual Image Awards.

“The NAACP Image Awards uniquely honours our culture and community, recognising those who help tell our stories through music, TV, movies and literature. It is a distinct privilege for us to amplify the incredible work of the NAACP – and the best and brightest creative minds in the entertainment industry – across our ViacomCBS properties.”

Voting is now open to the public here and closes on 5 March. The 2021 NAACP Image Awards will air on BET, CBS and MTV on 28 March at 2am CAT.