In a BET Awards first, the top nominees from Africa and Europe will now compete for the Best International Act category, with the winner being honoured as part of the US broadcast.
Recognising the growing international appeal of African artists, five African artists have been honoured in the BET Awards.
Leading the transformed Best International Act Award category from South Africa will be rapper Cassper Nyovest and Gqom kings Distruction Boyz alongside Nigerian musicians Davido and Tiwa Savage and Congolese star Fally Ipupa.
Tough category but we got our 3rd BET NOMINATION. Consistency!!!! #BETAwards2018 pic.twitter.com/mvfOHu1jgc
— R.M Phoolo (@CassperNyovest) May 16, 2018
Well done to #BETAwards2018‘Best International Act’ nominee - @CassperNyovest pic.twitter.com/UHDLPikJVi
— BET Africa (@BET_Africa) May 16, 2018
Well done to #BETAwards2018‘Best International Act’ nominee - @DistructionB pic.twitter.com/nGePknP0Zw
— BET Africa (@BET_Africa) May 16, 2018
Also included in the category are French performers Booba and Dadju and UK acts J Hus, Stefflon Don and Stormzy.
Commented Alex Okosi, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa and BET International: “We are excited that the Best International Award will be presented on-stage during the live broadcast. The inclusion of the award in the main show signals the influence of international artists globally”.
DJ Khaled dominates this year’s nominations with a total of 6 including ‘Video of the Year,’ two for ‘Best Collaboration,’ with Rihanna and Bryson Tiller for ‘Wild Thoughts,’ and with Beyoncé and Jay-Z for ‘Top Off,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ and ‘Coca-Cola Viewer’s Choice.’
Kendrick Lamar follows with five nods including ‘Best Collaboration,’ with Rihanna for ‘Loyalty,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ and ‘Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice.’
Other leading nominees include Migos, nominated for four awards including ‘Best Group,’ and ‘Album of the Year,” and SZA, also nominated for four awards, including ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist’ and ‘Best New Artist.’
BET Networks recognizes artists, entertainers, and athletes across over 19 categories with the "BET Awards 2018" nominations. The nominations are selected by BET’s Voting Academy, which is comprised of fans and an esteemed group of entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and the creative arts.
Fans will be able to cast their vote for their favourite Best International Act nominees beginning today on BET.com and on both Twitter and Instagram @BET_Africa @BET_TV_FR @BET_ Intl using each artist’s designated hashtag.