The BET awards is a celebration of all things Black excellence, and in more recent years the award show has been used to unite the African-American community with the African diaspora across the globe.
This year’s awards were nothing less than greatness, and good times. A true celebration of what it means to be African. First held on June 19th, 2001, legendary group Outkast were the first to receive the prestigious award. And now 18 years later, the awards have been keen to incorporate all nuances of African American culture in music, sports, art, and film. The nominations list was released in mid- May 2019 and saw some of Africa’s best acts win awards. According to a previous report by The Sauce, Nigerian music powerhouse Burna Boy has been crowned the Best International Act at the prestigious Awards. The ‘On the Low’ hitmaker beat competition from fellow country folks Mr. Eazi, Teni, Aya Nakamura, Dave, Dosseh and Giggs to win the Award. South African fast-rising rapper Sho Madjozi known for her hit ‘Huku’ also won the Best New International Act award which was based on votes by fans.
Aside from the awards, the event offers some of the best in live performances and here are our top 4:
1.Nipsey Hussle tribute performance
Nipsey Hussle has been immortalized through his children, extended family and his major efforts in the community. And since his untimely death on March 31st, 2019, family and friends are keen to ensure his legacy lives on. Neighborhood Nip and the global icon was honored with the 2019 Humanitarian BET Award as some of hip hop’s biggest names gave him a fitting tribute at the invite-only event.
2.Mary J. Blige tribute performance
Mary J. Blige received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The 48-year-old was praised by Rihanna and celebrated in a one of a kind tribute that featured some of Hip Hop’s biggest names including Nas, Diddy, Queen Latifah and Jada Pinket-Smith, Angie Martinez & H.E.R. Mary performed some of her biggest hits including “My Life” and “Real Love”. Blige left it all on the stage, with surprise performances alongside Lil K and Method Man.
3. H.E.R’s spoken word performance
Gabi Wilson aka H.E.R enveloped the audience with her profound words as she performed a spoken word piece ‘Lord Is Coming’ backed by a string ensemble and choir. Only 21 -years-old, H.E.R gave a moving performance backed with a considered, well-worded rap by upcoming act YBN Cordea. Grounded and relevant, the duo’s powerful words even captured the ongoing strife and political unrest in Sudan. The performance delivered powerful lyrics in a time when the world needed to hear it.
4. Kirk Franklin, Jonathan McReynolds, Erica Campbell & Kelly Price share the love
The group of four merged on stage to deliver an awesome praise service. Jonathan McReynolds, Kelly Price, and Erica Campbell hit the high notes, offering up a joyful sound that turned the BET Awards ceremony into a church service. ‘Love Theory’ was well received and was an amazing way to intergrate what is known as the cornerstone of the African American community into the auspicious occassion.
BET Awards 2019 list of winners:
Video of the Year: Childish Gambino, ‘This Is America’
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: Beyoncé
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Bruno
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Cardi
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Nipsey Hussle
Best New Artist: Lil Baby
Best Group: Migos
Best Collaboration: Travis Scott featuring Drake, ‘Sicko Mode’
Album of the Year: Cardi B, ‘Invasion of Privacy’
Viewers’ Choice Award: Ella Mai, ‘Trip’
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award: Snoop Dogg featuring Rance Allen, ‘Blessing Me Again’
Best Actress: Regina King
Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan
Best Movie: ‘BlacKkKlansman’
Young Stars Award: Marsai Martin
Sportswoman of the Year: Serena Williams
Sportsman of the Year: Stephen Curry
BET HER Award: H.E.R., ‘Hard Place
Video Director of the Year: Karena Evans
Best International Act: Burna Boy (Nigeria) Sho Madjozi (South Africa)
