Sho Madjozi Makes History as the first South African Female Artist to Win Best New International Act Award at the 2019 Bet Awards

This past week, the annual BET Awards took place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by Regina Hall, the award ceremony included performances by Lil Nas X, Cardi B, Migos, Lil Baby, Lizzo and H.E.R. South African singer Sho Madjozi was awarded the Best New International Act while Nigeria's Burna Boy claimed the Best International Act. Pan African activist Chaka Bars was honoured with the 2019 BET International Global Good Award. Our fashion contributor Kendra Hunsley was on the ground to capture all the action. Catching up with Sho Madjozi prior to her win, the artist expressed that BET acknowledging some of the most exciting acts to come out of the continent already made her feel like a winner. “I urge every artist to look at my journey and see that embracing your culture and being unique is probably a good formula” Madjozi stated “In this day and age, the world is so hungry for African vibes so what a waste for an African to overlook themselves or their culture in an attempt to pander to an international audience when all they want is us and our authenticity”.

Alex Okosi, Executive Vice President and Managing Director at Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) shared the following, "It is important for the world to see African talent; we have amazing creativity, passion and youth culture. I think the most challenging part of our job is making sure that we are always unearthing great creatives. We just want to play our part and make sure we can amplify it to the rest of the world. That is what BET has an opportunity to do; we are not just an African brand now, we are a global brand so we want to be able to leverage that power”. In addition to Sho Madjozi's historic win, the 2019 BET Awards saw African Acts fly the flag high with Nigeria's Burna Boy claiming the Best International Act Award. His mother and manager Bose Ogulu accepted the award and delivered a touching speech where she commented; "Thank you very much BET, thank you, Africa. That is the constituency for which we got noticed. The message from Burna would be that every Black person should please remember that you were Africans before you became anything else."

This year's broadcast celebrated the very best in entertainment and culture with performances and appearances by some of the biggest names across television, film, and music. The award show which has become synonymous with powerful artistry and social commentary continued to spotlight and celebrate the artists and creators of tomorrow, making the ceremony one of the most news-provoking and talked-about broadcasts year after year. “I’d like to say that we do complain a lot about the position of women, but I think we should also give women credit. For example, the two African acts who are nominated in my category are myself and Teni from Nigeria; both women. BET thought that the two people who stood out from the whole of Africa were two women. I think that is a big thing” Madjozi declared, “I think we shouldn’t overlook that. I just want women to be booked”. The show which was broadcast live for the first time in the African continent on Tuesday, will also be broadcast this Saturday, 29 June from 19:00 CAT only on BET Africa (DStv channel 129) featuring unseen behind the scenes exclusive footage of Sho Madjozi, rapper AKA and Face of BET in Africa Nomalanga Shozi.

Complete list of the 2019 BET Awards winners:

Best New International Act (Fan-Voted)

Sho Madjozi (South Africa)

Best International Act

Burna Boy (Nigeria)

Global Good Award

Chakabars (UK)

Best Female R&B / Pop Artist

Beyoncé

Best Male R&B / Pop Artist

Bruno Mars

Best Group

Migos

Best Collaboration

Travis Scott feat. Drake - Sicko Mode

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

Nipsey Hussle

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

Cardi B

Video of the Year

Childish Gambino - This Is America

Video Director of the Year

Karena Evans

Best New Artist

Lil Baby

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award

Snoop Dogg Feat. Rance Allen - Blessing Me Again

Best Actress

Regina King

Best Actor

Michael B. Jordan

YoungStars Award

Marsai Martin

Best Movie

BLACKKKLANSMAN

Sportswoman of the Year Award

Serena Williams

Sportsman of the Year Award

Stephen Curry

Album of the Year

Invasion Of Privacy

BET Her

H.E.R. - Hard Place

Coca-Cola Viewers' Choice Award

Ella Mai