The BET Award is an annual ceremony that celebrates black excellence and creativity in music, film and sports in the United States. However, BET introduced the Best International Act category in 2010 to drive inclusion and recognise international talents from other parts of the world.
Source: Bounce Radio
The category has been a window of global recognition for some of Africa’s finest talents with, over 30 nominations across categories recorded in the last five years. Here’s a breakdown of wins and nominations since 2019.
2019 BET Awards
Source: Instagram (@burnaboygram)
The 2019 BET Awards ceremony went down in on Sunday, June 23 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. Five African singers were nominated across two categories.
Best International Act category
AKA (SOUTH AFRICA)
BURNA BOY (NIGERIA) — WINNER
MR. EAZI (NIGERIA)
Best International Act category (Fan Voted)
TENI (NIGERIA)
SHO MADJOZI (SOUTH AFRICA) — WINNER
2020 BET Awards
The 2020 BET Awards couldn’t hold physically due to the coronavirus pandemic. A virtual ceremony was held on June 28. The award ceremony specially honoured African-Americans who lost their lives to police brutality and racial injustice in the US. Six African singers were nominated across two categories.
Best International Act
Innoss’B (DRC)
Sho Madjozi (South Africa)
Burna Boy (Nigeria) — WINNER
Best New International Act (Viewer’s Choice)
Sha Sha (Zimbabwe) — WINNER
Rema (Nigeria)
BET HER Award
Beyonce Ft. Blue Ivy Carter, Wizkid & Saint Jhn – “Brown Skin Girl” — WINNER
2021 BET Awards
Source: BET
In 2021, the BET Awards returned for an in-person ceremony on June 27 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Hollywood actress Taraji P Henson hosted the award show. Three African music stars were nominated in one category.
Best International Act
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Burna Boy (Nigeria) — WINNER
Wizkid (Nigeria)
2022 BET Awards
Source: PM Express
The award ceremony was held on Sunday, June 27, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Music legend, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was honoured with the lifetime achievement award. Five African singers were nominated across four categories.
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Wizkid
Best Collaboration
“Essence,” Wizkid Feat. Justin Bieber & Tems — WINNER
Best New Artist
Tems
African nominees in Best International Act
Fally Ipupa (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Fireboy DML (Nigeria)
Tems (Nigeria) — WINNER
Major League DJz (South Africa)
2023 BET Awards
Source: Instagram (@iamlibianca)
Like past editions, the 2023 BET Award ceremony went down at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on June 25. Rap music icon, Busta Ryhmes was honoured with the lifetime achievement award.
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Tems
Best Collaboration
“Call Me Every Day,” Chris Brown feat. Wizkid
“Wait For U,” Future feat. Drake & Tems — WINNER
Video Director of the Year
Burna Boy
Viewer’s Choice Award
“Last Last,” Burna Boy
“Wait For U,” Future feat. Drake & Tems
Best International Act
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Ko (South Africa)
Burna Boy (Nigeria) — WINNER
Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)
Best New International Act (Viewer’s Choice)
Asake (Nigeria)
Camidoh (Ghana)
Libianca (Cameroon) — WINNER
Pabi Cooper (South Africa)
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