FOLLOWING in the footsteps of Toya Delazy and Donald, two South African artists were nominated for this year’s BET Awards.
Household names AKA and The Soil were nominated in the Best International Act: Africa category, alongside two Nigerians, two Ghanaians, Sauti Sol from Kenya and Fally Ipupa from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nigeria’s nominees are Wizkid and Yemi Alade, while Ghana will be represented by Sarkodie and Stonebwoy.
Tweeting his excitement yesterday, AKA said: “TO GOD BE THE GLORY. I’ve just been nominated in the best international act category at the BET Awards.”
The Soil merely retweeted messages of congratulations from their fans and together, the two artists made the nominations announcements trend on Twitter.
AKA’s rival, Cassper Nyovest, also tweeted his congratulations, saying: “Congratulations on your nomination King @akaworldwide.”
South Africa has been a steady feature in the International Act: Africa category over the years, even though none of our local artists have clinched the award.
Teargas was nominated in 2011, Lira in 2012, followed by Donald and Toya Delazy the following year and Afro-pop group, Mafikizolo, last year. Mafikizolo lost to Nigerian artist, Davido.
The awards honour musicians, actors and athletes, and are presented by Black Entertainment TV, a US channel that caters primarily to African-American audiences.
Beyoncé, Rihanna and Ciara will face off for the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, while Chris Brown, John Legend and Usher are among the male nominees. Brown and Nicki Minaj are the top contenders, with six nominations each, followed by Beyoncé and Lil’ Wayne with four each.
British artists FKA Twigs and Fuse ODG are nominated in the Best International Act: UK category.
The Star