2020 BET Awards sees Nigeria's Burna Boy snag Best International Act while Amapiano vocalist Sha Sha makes history by becoming first Zimbabwean to win the award for Viewers' Choice Best New International Act.

by Thinus Ferreira

Nigeria's Burna Boy won the Best International Act Award for the second time at the 2020 BET Awards that was broadcast on ViacomCBS Networks Africa's BET (DStv 129) channel on Monday, while the Amapiano vocalist Sha Sha made history as the first Zimbabwean to win the Viewers' Choice Best New International Act Award.

The 2020 BET Awards with comedian and actress Amanda Seales as the host was held and broadcast virtually this year for two reasons because as she described it "outside it's all Covid and cops".

The French activist, Assa Traoré received the 2020 BET International Global Good Award. 

This year was the 20th anniversary of the BET Awards and the 40th anniversary of the BET TV channel with the 2020 BET Awards that ran under the theme of "Our Culture Can't be Cancelled" in the wake of civil unrest in the United States because of the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.

"The Best International Act categories over the years have honoured the outstanding achievements of some of the most talented international acts from across the world. BET is committed to shining a light on talent, elevating our culture and promoting diversity through song," said Monde Twala, senior vice president and general manager of ViacomCBS Networks Africa and Peer Lead BET International.

"This year’s winners and nominees reflect an abundance of creative expression. We salute all the nominees and winners.

The 2020 BET Awards this year - as a celebration of black culture, love, joy, and pride - made use of dynamic artist-generated performances and packages, filled with inspirational messages of Black Lives Matter and the need for racial equality.

During the show, Beyoncé was honoured with the Humanitarian Award for her years of philanthropic service which she dedicated to the Black Lives Matter protestors.

A slew of performers and stars appeared, including Alicia Keys, Chloe x Halle, DaBaby, D Smoke, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Jonathan McReynolds, Kane Brown, Lil Wayne, Megan Thee Stallion, Roddy Ricch, SiR, Summer Walker, Usher and Wayne Brady. 

Several performances addressed the killings of black men and women while in police custody, the Black Lives Matter movement and the protests over police violence.

Some performances also referenced the coronavirus pandemic, incorporating Covid-19 into lyrics or masks into the performance. In addition, Lil Wayne paid tribute to Kobe Bryant while Wayne Brady honoured Little Richard. Both the NBA star and singing legend died last year. 

The complete list of the 2020 BET Awards winners is:

Best International Act
Burna Boy (Nigeria)

Viewers' Choice: Best New International Act
Sha Sha (Zimbabwe)

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Lizzo

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Chris Brown

Best Group
Migos

Best Collaboration
Chris Brown featuring Drake - "No Guidance"

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Dababy

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Megan Thee Stallion

Video of the Year
DJ Khaled featuring Nipsey Hussle & John Legend - "Higher"

Video director of the Year
Teyana "Spike Tee" Taylor

Best New Artist
Roddy Ricch

Dr Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
Kirk Franklin - "Just for Me"

Best Actress
Issae Rae

Best Actor
Michael B. Jordan

Youngstars Award
Marsai Martin

Best Movie
Queen & Slim

Sportswoman of the Year
Simone Biles

Sportsman of the Year
LeBron James

Album of the Year
Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial (Roddy Ricch)

BET Her Award
Beyonce featuring Blue Ivy Carter, Wizkid & Saint JHB "Brown Skin Girl"

Nicki Minaj dumps Viacom's BET Experience festival and the 2019 BET Awards over BET's online Twitter bullying, pitting her against rival Cardi B.

Artist Nicki Minaj has dumped Viacom's BET (DStv 129) channel, saying she's pulling out of its upcoming BET Experience and will not be at or involved in its BET Awards after BET on its Twitter account commented on her appearance at Sunday night's 2019 Grammy Awards, saying "Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj is being dragged by her lacefront".

BET's online bullying - now deleted - unfavourable compared Nicki Minaj with her Grammy-winning rival, Cardi B who had a historic win on Sunday night when she became the first solo female rapper to win the award for best rap album.

Nicki Minaj said she's dumping BET's BET Experience and that she and her mentor, the Young Money music label rapper Lil Wayne, will no longer participate, and won't be setting a foot at the Viacom network's 2019 BET Awards later this year.

"Young Money will no longer be a part of the BET Experience or award show," Nicki Minaj wrote.

A few weeks ago BET announced weeks ago that both Nicki Minaj and Cardi B would be doing shows during the 4-day BET Experience in Los Angeles.

BET deleted the tweet and in a statement is apologising and says: "BET loves Nicki Minaj. We have supported her from the very beginning of her career and will continue to do so moving forward".

"Nicki has paved the way for so many performers and has solidified her place as one of the most powerful figures in the music industry. Unfortunately, the respect we have for Nicki was violated by this post that should never have been written."

"The post does not reflect how we feel about Nicki. And further does not reflect our company values. We deeply apologize for the hurt, disappointment and confusion that this post has caused. We are committed to doing everything we can to address the situation."

"We are also conducting an internal audit to assure these types of posts are not published again. We have apologized to Nicki and her team. The post has been removed and we have taken additional appropriate action."

"We understand Nicki's position and look forward to continuing our dialogue with her. Finally, we apologize to all of her fans. This should have never happened."

BREAKING. A bumper New Year's Eve awaits as SABC1 slots in the BET Awards; SABC3 the classi-com Dinner For One for 31 December.

You're reading it here first.

I can exclusively break the news that South African TV viewers are in for a very sweet TV treat for the end of the year with an awards ceremony and a beloved end of the year Brit-bit being served up on 31 December by the SABC!

Following my scoop that M-Net once again got back The Royal Variety Performance 2011 for 31 December I can spill that SABC1 will bring viewers the BET Awards on New Year's Eve on 31 December at 20:00, and that SABC3 will broadcast the perenially beloved classic comedy Dinner for One on Saturday 31 December at 19:30.

SABC1 is also planning on showing the Crown Gospel Awards on Sunday 4 December at 20:00 by the way.

ALSO READ: After last year's lapse, M-Net secures the broadcasting rights to The Royal Variety Performance 2011 set for New Year's Eve.