Africa was truly represented at the 2018 BET Awards which took place over the weekend. The ceremony, hosted by Academy and Grammy-award winner, Jamie Foxx, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles saw both Nigeria’s Davido and South Africa’s Sjava scoop up awards.
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.”
Meanwhile, our very own Sjava 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). 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.”
Commented Alex Okosi, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa and BET International: “The BET Awards is the ultimate platform for celebrating black excellence. This year we are proud to highlight the impact international artists have on global culture by honouring Best International Act winner Davido during the live broadcast of the show. Congratulations to Bismack Biyombo on his Global Good Award, Sjava for his Viewers’ Choice Best New International Act win and all the nominees for elevating black culture globally.”
The complete list of the BET Awards 2018 winners is:
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
Feel free to comment, share or tweet @ElBroide