The Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards is one of the most prestigious recognition awards in the global music industry. After Grammy’s, na BET. And, so if anyone gets just a BET nomination, Even for the lowest category, it’s something worth celebrating. And, there’s only one category that gladly accomodates African artists, and it’s the “Best International Act.” And, almost every year, a Nigerian gets nominated.
This year, it’s two of Nigeria’s brightest stars, pop star, Davido and sensational singer, Tiwa Savage. They were nominated alongside artists like Cassper Nyovest of South Africa, and J Hus of UK. But, let’s say a Nigerian is gonn’ get the Award, who gets it? Tiwa or Davido?
Last year, Davido had his best year in his career, ever. Doing hits back-to-back. Recall that he had signed to Sony Music, in 2016. A deal that actually didn’t go well. So, last year, he got his deal worked on again. And he went “Back 2 Basics.” He went in with Tekno, and he birthed a hit song “IF“. From there, it was hits, back to back. He did “Fall“, “Pere” featuring Rae Sremmurd and Young Thug, “FIA” and “Like Dat.” He also had a collabo with Olamide, “Summer Body.” And, yeah, he actually got the “Artist Of The Year” at this year’s Headies. Whilst he was doing those jams, he succeeded in penetrating into the deepest parts of Africa (Kenya, SA, Tanzania etc) and he even took over UK, and America. It’s just normal he gets a “Best International Act” nomination.
Tiwa Savage on the other hand is kinda like the Queen in Africa. Doing legendary stuffs. Although, her 2016 was rough like Davido’s, her 2017 was boosted with the release of her SugarCane EP, which spurred hits like “All Over”, “Sugarcane” and the best collabo of 2017, “Ma Lo” featuring StarBoy Wizkid. She just scattered everywhere, and the way she ran the place was so impressive. She also deserves the Award.
BUT who gets it? Somebody said Wizkid. I said he’s not nominated, and he said “As long as whoever gets it references Wizkid, it doesn’t matter if it’s Cassper Nyovest that wins.” In other words, the guy (Wizkid) paved the way for all artists who are getting nominated in International Awards, this year. D’banj started, Wizkid finished up. Whoever wins doesn’t matter! Davido or Tiwa!