BET 2021: Burna Boy, Wizkid, others battle for Best International Act

•Megan Thee Stallion, DaBaby lead the nominees’ list with seven nominations each

WITH the Black Entertainment Television (BET) announcement of nominees for this year’s edition of the awards, and Nigeria’s superstar, Damini Ogulu well known as Burna Boy and Ayodeji Balogun better known as Wizkid, vying for the ‘Best International Act’ category, it’s a tough call to make between the two Grammy-winning stars, and even a tougher one with the array of music heavyweights contesting the same award.

Would Burna Boy win the category for the third time in a row, when the show holds next month? Or would it be Wizkid, who now sits as the most nominated African artiste with six nominations and three wins?

With the BET debuting this category in 2010, many Africans have been selected based on their achievements for the particular year in review and not just old glory.

Following the massive global acclaim that trailed his 2019 and 2020 studio albums, Burna Boy clinched the last two awards. With his buffet of albums and activities, which were unrolled during the pandemic last year, the duel looks more intense.

Apart from Wizkid and Diamond Platinumz, who are from Africa, the Latinos, French and English acts are making a fierce run for the title. 26-year-old French-Malian pop singer, Aya Nakamura, who has also been described as the most popular French-speaking artiste abroad, charged her way through 2020 with the release of her third album, dubbed Aya, which has already won ‘Best Urban Album’ award at the France Music awards, as well as clinch two diamond certifications in France.

Her French counterpart, Youssoupha, who currently sits at the heart of criticism amid Far-right political spectators in France, is another rapper that has remained relevant enough to represent the Macron led country at this auspicious award.

Emicida with his 2020 album, ‘AmarElo’ had clinched a Grammy at this year’s edition of the coveted awards. This marked the start of a stellar year for the 35-year-old rapper.

Meanwhile, the Londoners are not too far off as Young T and Bugsey (who is also of Nigerian heritage), also had one of the biggest viral songs of the pandemic.

Their single Don’t Rush dominated not just tiktok and Instagram challenges, but also peaked at the US 100 Billboard Chart at no 56, while also crossing several markets to be certified Gold in the US and France.

With this array of music super stars and their award-winning discography, the question begging answer is “will the stellar works of Burna Boy in Twice as Tall, or of Wizkid in Made in Lagos be strong enough to pull through?

While Made in Lagos was more celebrated than most of the other titles under review, Twice as Tall remains the most critically acclaimed and impactful work.

According to Senior Vice President & GM ViacomCBS and BET International Peer Lead, Monde Twala, this year’s nominees reflect an abundance of creative expression and Black excellence across music, television, film, and sports.

He said, “It’s been a thrilling year in music entertainment and we are proud to have this opportunity to showcase a diverse and cultural rich list of international nominees that includes African artistes and including Brazil talent for the first time in the Best International Act Category.”

“Over the years, the BET Awards have honoured some of the most talented musicians in the International arena. It’s a powerful platform to spotlight and celebrate black excellence on the global stage. Congratulations to all the nominees,” Twala added.

Meanwhile, American rappers Megan Thee Stallion and DaBaby are leading the nominees’ pack with seven nominations respectively. Megan Thee Stallion, had left her mark in last year’s telecast with her ‘Mad Max’ inspired performance for “Girls in The Hood” and “Savage,”

She claims one of the top spots, securing seven nominations for ‘Best Female Hip Hop Artist’, ‘Video of the Year’ for WAP, ‘Album of the Year,’ for Good News, ‘Viewer’s Choice Award (x2),’ and ‘Best Collaboration,’ for her features with DaBaby (Cry Baby) and Cardi B (WAP).

After his searing and powerful ‘Rockstar’ performance at last year’s BET Awards, DaBaby claims the other top spot securing seven nods, including ‘Best Male Hip Hop Artist’, ‘Album of the Year,’ for Blame it on Baby, ‘Viewer’s Choice Award,’ and four nods for ‘Best Collaboration’ for his features alongside Roddy Ricch (Rockstar), Megan Thee Stallion (Cry Baby), Pop Smoke & Lil Baby (For The Night), and Jack Harlow Tory Lanez & Lil Wayne (Whats Poppin- Remix).

Cardi B and Drake garnered the second most nods with five nominations each. Cardi B’s nods include ‘Best Female Hip Hop Artist’, ‘Best Collaboration’, ‘Video of the Year’, twice for WAP and UP. Drake’s nods include ‘Best Collaboration’, ‘Best Male Hip Hop Artist’, ‘Video of the Year’, for Laugh Now Cry Later featuring Lil Durk and ‘Viewer’s Choice Award’.

Anderson Paak, Bruno Mars, Chloe X Halle, and Chris Brown are the third highest with four nominations each and are all up for the coveted ‘Video of the Year’ award.

This year BET Awards will air live on Monday, June 28 on BET Africa, DStv Channel 122, at 1a.m WAT / 2a.m CAT. A repeat broadcast at 7p.m WAT / 8p.m CAT.