BET honoured Black excellence in music, television, film, and sports across over 20 categories at the “BET Awards” 2023. This year, global superstars from Africa; Burna Boy and Libianca took home the awards for Best International Act and Best New International Act, respectively. Tems also bagged the award for Best Collaboration with the featured hit song ‘Wait For U’. Throughout the music-centred telecast, Culture’s Biggest Night paid homage to the biggest names in Hip-Hop over the past five decades with special music performances by Afrobeats megastar, Davido and curated music medleys by acclaimed DJ and producer Kid Capri in an exciting unscripted format. The non-stop party aired live at 1:00 am WAT on BET Africa live from the Microsoft Theater. The BET Awards 2023 was simulcast across Paramount and internationally platforms.
69 Boyz, Big Daddy Kane, Chief Keef, Dem Franchize Boyz, DJ Unk, D-Nice, E-40, EPMD, Fabolous, Fast Life Yungstaz & Easton (F.L.Y.), Fat Joe, Ja Rule, Jeezy, Kid ‘N Play, MC Lyte, Percy “Master P” Miller, Redman, Remy Ma, Soulja Boy, Styles P, The Sugarhill Gang, Trick Daddy, Trina, Tyga, Uncle Luke, Warren G, YG, Ying Yang Twins, and Yo-Yo delivered energetic performances of many Hip Hop classics. “BET Awards” 2023 nominees Coco Jones, Ice Spice, GloRilla, Latto, and hitmakers Davido, Doechii, Lil Uzi Vert, Mad Lion, Patra, and more joined the celebration. Kaliii and “BET Awards” 2023 nominee Lola Brooke performed on the BET Amplified stage.
Speaking on the winners for the year, Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & GM Paramount Africa & Lead BET International said, “We are super proud to recognise our superstars from Africa, Burna Boy, Tems and Libianca for shining brightly in their respective music genres. Their contributions to Black excellence have captivated audiences worldwide, and we are proud to honour their unique artistry.”
BET Awards 2023 celebrated the best in entertainment and culture with performances and appearances by an inspiring lineup of artists, entertainers and cultural icons. The “BET Awards,” which has become synonymous with powerful Black artistry and social commentary, continued to spotlight and celebrate the artists and creators of tomorrow, making the ceremony one of the most news-provoking and talked-about broadcasts year after year.
Rockets Bryanston, the premier entertainment venue in town, set the stage ablaze last night as it hosted an unforgettable watch party for the highly anticipated 2023 BET Awards. With an electric atmosphere and an array of esteemed guests, the event was a night to remember.
The night saw guests gather to celebrate our remarkable African nominees who have graced the stage of the BET Awards. These nominees have shown the world the depth, richness, and diversity of talent within our beautiful continent.
The Nominees were: Burna Boy (Nigeria), Tems (Nigeria), Ayra Starr (Nigeria), KO (South Africa), Pabi Cooper (South Africa), Uncle Waffles (Swaziland), Asake (Nigeria), Camidoh (Ghana), Libianca Fonji (Cameroon) and Wizkid (Nigeria)
The event drew the attention of the Paramount culture squad, who made their presence felt in full force. Sne Mbatha, Candice Modiselle, and Teboho “Caddy” Tsotetsi, influential figures in the entertainment industry, graced the occasion, creating an atmosphere of glamour and star power. Their infectious enthusiasm for the BET Awards was contagious, further fuelling the anticipation among the attendees.
Adding a touch of poignancy to the evening, Mpho Tshabalala, Annie Ludick, Thando Nje, Shugasmakx, Don Design, JR and Londie London all attended to show their support on the evening.
The 2023 BET awards watch party was the talk of the town, with attendees immersing themselves in the electrifying atmosphere and enjoying the live broadcast of the BET Awards on multiple large screens. The venue provided an ideal setting for fans and celebrities alike to come together and celebrate the achievements of African artists, paying homage to their outstanding contributions to the entertainment world.
The complete list of winners for the “BET AWARDS” 2023 are:
BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT
Burna Boy
BEST NEW INTERNATIONAL ACT
Libianca
BEST COLLABORATION
WAIT FOR U – Future feat Drake & Tems
ALBUM OF THE YEAR (TIE)
SOS – SZA
RENAISSANCE – Beyoncé
BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST
SZA
BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST (TIE)
Chris Brown
Usher
BEST NEW ARTIST
Coco Jones
BEST GROUP
Drake x 21 Savage
BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
Latto
BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
Kendrick Lamar
DR. BOBBY JONES BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD
Bless Me – Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin
BET HER AWARD
Break My Soul – Beyoncé
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Kill Bill – SZA
VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Teyana “Spike Tey” Taylor
BEST MOVIE
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
BEST ACTRESS
Angela Bassett
BEST ACTOR
Damson Idris
YOUNGSTARS AWARD
Marsai Martin
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Angel Reese
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Jalen Hurts
VIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD
Break My Soul – Beyoncé
Image Courtesy: Supplied / GettyImages