Shuuu! Where do we start?! We are incredibly proud of all our African artists that touched down in at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles this past weekend for the 2018 BET Awards hosted by Jamie Foxx. BET in Africa, part of Viacom International Media Networks Africa multimedia portfolio, on Sunday night, recognised an exceptional lineup of artists, entertainers, cultural provocateurs and inspiring humanitarians across over 19 categories at the 18th Annual BET Awards.
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This year is a milestone for BET International’s 10th anniversary with the recognition of the BET International Awards Winner on the global stage.
Nigerian musician Davido, won the award for “Best International Act” beating fellow nominees Tiwa Savage (Nigeria), Booba (France), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Dadju (France), Distruction Boyz (South Africa), Fally Ipupa (DR Congo), J Hus (UK), Niska (France), Stefflon Don (UK) and Stormzy (UK). During his acceptance speech, Davido sent his condolences to D’banj and also urged American artistes to collaborate with their counterparts in Africa. “And as I go on, I wanna talk about Africa. My continent has been so blessed to influence many cultures,” he said, “Come to Africa, eat the food, wear the clothes. Get ready for me, let’s collaborate.”
Sjava expressed his gratitude with a shout out, “To all my team for the incredible support you have provided me, to my fans who listen to my music and all the DJs who play my music, I really appreciate it. Siyabonga.”
For the first time, BET honored six Humanitarian Heroes, individuals who have done extraordinary things in some of the most disheartening and trying of situations. Presented by John Legend, those honored included James Shaw Jr. (disarmed Waffle House shooter), Naomi Wadler (11 year-old speaker at March For Our Lives), Mamoudou Gassama (Climbed outside of building to save dangling 4 year-old), Justin Blackman (only student to walk out of his High School on National Student Walk-Out Day), Shaun King (journalist who has been instrumental in covering untold stories in the black community), Anthony Borges (Parkland Victim/Hero who threw himself in line of fire – shot five times).
Bismack Biyombo, Congolese professional basketball player for Orlando Magic, who was a panelist at the BET International: Global Good Honours Madiba screening in celebration of Nelson Mandela’s centenary on June 23 at the BET Experience, received BET International’s 2018 Global Good Award. The award recognises celebrities and public figures who use their platform for social good and exemplify integrity, courage, goodness and commitment to the global community.
The complete list of the BET Awards 2018 winners is:
Best International Act Davido (Nigeria)
Viewers’ Choice Best New International Act Sjava (South Africa) Best Female R&B / Pop Artist Award Beyonce Best Male R&B / Pop Artist Award Bruno Mars Best Group Award Migos Best Collaboration Award DJ Khaled feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – Wild Thoughts Best Male Hip Hop Artist Award Kendrick Lamar Best Female Hip Hop Artist Award Cardi B Video of the Year Award Drake – God’s Plan Video Director of the Year Award Ava Duvernay Best New Artist Award SZA Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award Lecrae feat. Tori Kelly – I’ll Find You The Best International Act Award Davido (Nigeria) Best Actress Award Tiffany Haddish Best Actor Award Chadwick Boseman Young Stars Award Yara Shahidi Best Movie Award Black Panther Sportswoman of the Year Award Serena Williams Sportsman of the Year Award LeBron James Album of the Year Award DAMN. – Kendrick Lamar BET Her Award Mary J. Blige – Strength of a Woman Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award Cardi B – Bodak Yellow
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Commented Alex Okosi, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Viacom
Sjava from South Africa, won the award for “Best New International Act” amongst fellow nominees Niniola (Nigeria), NOT3S (UK), Kwesi Arthur (Ghana), SIK-K (S.Korea), Prince Waly (France), Nailah Blackman (The Caribbean), MC Soffia (Brazil), Take A MIC (France) and IAMDDB (UK).