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Ice Prince clarifies that he, not Davido is the first African artist to receive BET award on stage
Nigerian rapper Ice Prince has clarified a misconception among music enthusiasts regarding which African artist was the first to receive a BET award live on stage. Contrary to popular belief that Davido achieved the feat, Ice Prince insists that he was the trailblazer.
The “Oleku” crooner, who bagged the BET Award for Best International Act, Africa in 2013, made the revelation during a recent episode of Listening. Speaking on his achievement, he explained:
“I am the first African artist to go on a BET stage and receive an award solo… When you guys talk about it, you guys give that credit to Davido.”
For years, BET awards for African artists were handed out backstage, away from the spotlight. Ice Prince claims his 2013 win broke the norm, predating Davido’s celebrated 2018 live acceptance speech.
Davido, who won the Best International Act Award in 2018, captivated audiences at the time with his call for greater collaborations between US and African artists. His iconic speech remains a memorable moment in Afrobeats history.
“I am the first African artiste to go on a BET stage and receive an award solo… When you guys talk about it, you guys give that credit to Davido.”
– Ice Prince Zamani pic.twitter.com/LXYLcGoV1y
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) December 14, 2024
In a separate interview, Ice Prince also recounted his harrowing experience in prison following his 2022 arrest over allegations of assaulting a police officer.
The rapper was detained at Ikoyi Correctional Centre for six days and described the ordeal as something he wouldn’t wish on his worst enemy.
“It’s a different world. I don’t pray for my worst enemy to experience it,” he revealed. “You have to be careful out there because mistakes can take you there. There are so many innocent people in there.”