2017 BET Awards: Wizkid, Tekno, Davido, Orezi, Mr. Eazi, others in battle royale for best international act, Africa
DSTV To Broadcast Show Live Across Africa
As music stars and their fans gear up for this year’s BET Awards, organizers of the awards, BET Networks have announced that music heavyweights Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, Big Sean, Post Malone, Roman Gian Arthur and Jessie Reyez would perform at this year’s event that have new addition to the categories, Lifetime Achievement Award.
The iconic annual show will have performances from hit makers like Bruno Mars, Future, Migos, Trey Songz and Tamar Braxton. The BET Awards has set the standard for one of the most intently unconventional, news-provoking broadcasts.
Bill to hold on Sunday, June 25, at the Microsoft Theatre, Los Angeles, USA, this year’s edition BET Network said is sure to include unforgettable moments, appearances and performances followers of the awards would not want to miss. The awards would be air across Africa on BET (DStv channel 129) and host is stand-up comedian, Leslie Jones,
In addition, leading entertainers across television, film, sports, comedy and music to join as presenters at this year’s awards include Trevor Noah, Yara Shahidi, Cardi B, Issa Rae, Jamie Foxx, La La Anthony; cast of Universal Pictures’ Girls Trip — Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, with Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah. Others are Robin Thede, Cari Champion and Demetrius Shipp Jr.
Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, Alex Okosi said: “The rich performance line-up certainly lives up to the prestigious nature of the annual ceremony and Africa is undoubtedly well represented with 12 African personalities being honoured across three different categories. It is also exciting that Africa’s own Trevor Noah, an acclaimed international star, will be presenting an award.”
“Africa will be greatly represented at the event with singer and humanitarian Yvonne Chaka Chaka and social activist Ilwad Elman being awarded with International Global Good Star and Power Awards. Eight leading African artistes including AKA, Nasty C, Babes Wodumo, Wizkid, Tekno, Mr Eazi, Davido and Stonebwoy will all vie for the Best International Act: Africa Category,” he added
Okosi also said that Amazulu crooner Amanda Black and Tanzanian performer Ray Vanny are nominated for Viewer’s Choice Best International Act, in conjunction with performers from the UK, South Korea, Canada, Australia and Jamaica.
Beyoncé dominates this year’s nominations with a total of seven including ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist,’ ‘Best Collaboration’ with Kendrick Lamar for Freedom, ‘Video of the Year,’ and ‘Album of the Year’ for Lemonade.
Bruno Mars follows with five nods including ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘Best Male R&B/Pop Artist,’ and ‘Video of the Year’ for 24K Magic. Other nominees include Solange, nominated for four awards and will be up against Beyoncé for ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist.’
Chance the Rapper and Migos receive four nominations, with Chance the Rapper nominated for ‘Best Male Hip-Hop Artist’ and ‘Best New Artiste’ and Migos for ‘Best Group’ and ‘Best Collaboration’ for their number one hit Bad and Boujee with Lil Uzi Vert.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has the highest nomination for the ‘Best International Act’, Africa Category. It is followed by South Africa with three nominations and Ghana with one nomination.
The nominees from Nigeria are Wizkid, Tekno, Davido and Mr. Eazi. Other African artistes vying to take home the award in the category are: AKA (South Africa), Babes Wodumo (South Africa), Nasty C (South Africa) and Stoneboy (Ghana).
With his nomination this year, Starboy Music boss, Wizkid, makes the list in the same category for the second time in a row, while it is a debut appearance for Tekno and Mr. Eazi.
Tekno’s appearance does not come as a surprise to fans, music lovers and critics as he has had a progressive career after dishing out his street anthem single, Pana in 2016
In the same vein, Starboy Music Worldwide act, Mr. Eazi, who also became a household name with his unique style, stole the shine in 2016 with his rave single dubbed Skin Tight and also his chart-topping EP Accra to Lagos, which was released in 2017.
In the international scene, the ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist’ category would see pop-stars: Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Rihanna battle it head on. The highly coveted ‘Album of the Year’ awards would also see Beyonce, J. Cole, Bruno Mars, Solange and Chance the Rapper contending for the prize.
BET Networks recognizes artistes, entertainers, and athletes across over 19 categories with the 2017 BET Awards nominations. The nominations are selected by a Voting Academy, which is comprised of fans and an esteemed group of entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations and the creative arts.