Hosted By Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross to Air on BET on 28 June at 19:00 CAT
Johannesburg/Lagos, 7 June 2016: Today, BET (DStv channel 129) unveiled the nominees for the 2016 BET Awards Viewers’ Choice “Best New International Act” category. This year’s competition is tougher than ever, featuring talented up-and-coming artists from around the world including: Emtee (South Africa), Falz (Nigeria), MHD (France), Tkay Maidza (Australia), WSTRN (UK) and Section Boyz (UK).
Fans can vote their favourite new artist by voting online at BET.com or by taking the competition to social media and tweeting or tagging @BET_intl on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #ipick. Voting for the Viewer’s Choice category is now open, and will close on 22 June at 00:59 CAT.
Hosted by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, the 2016 “BET Awards” will include previously announced performances by Alicia Keys, Maxwell and more, as well as a star-studded tribute to legendary pop icon Prince featuring Sheila E., The Roots, D’Angelo and Janelle Monae on one of the year’s biggest nights in music.
The BET Awards recognizes artists, entertainers, and athletes across 20 categories. The nominations are selected by BET’s Voting Academy, which is comprised of fans and an esteemed group of entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and the creative arts.
As previously announced, Drake leads the list of entertainers with an impressive nine nominations including ‘Best Male Hip Hop Artist,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ and ‘Best Collaboration’ for his hit “Where Ya At” with fellow hip hop artist Future. Beyoncé and Rihanna follow with five nods each. Beyoncé is nominated for top nods of the night including ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist’, ‘Video of the Year,’ and ‘Best Collaboration’ for “Feeling Myself” with Nicki Minaj. Rihanna is in the running for awards including ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist’, ‘Video of the Year’, and ‘Best Collaboration’, for “Work” featuring Drake. Other nominees include newcomer Bryson Tiller who is up for four awards including ‘Best Male R&B/Pop Artist’. Chris Brown is nominated for the same number including ‘Best Male R&B/Pop Artist’ and ‘Video Director of the Year.’ Future could also walk away with four awards including ‘Best Male Hip Hop Artist’ and the ‘Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award’.
The BET Awards premieres on BET (DStv channel 129) on Tuesday 28 June at 19:00 CAT.
The BET Awards will take place along with the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles from 23-26 June 2016.
Russian Bear is the official South Africa sponsor of the BET Awards 2016.
For more information on the BET Awards, visit www.betafrica.tv, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BETinAfrica, or join the conversation about the channel on Twitter and Instagram @BET_Africa using the hashtag #BETAwards16.
About BET Africa
Launched Africa 2015, BET Africa is part of the diverse multimedia entertainment portfolio of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa. Celebrating African and African-American culture, BET Africa is available exclusively on the DStv platform and includes the dynamic online destination www.betafrica.tv.
About The BET Awards
Stephen G. Hill, BET’s President of Programming, Connie Orlando, BET’s Senior Vice President of Music and Specials, Lynne Harris Taylor, BET’s Vice President of Specials, will serve as Executive Producers for the “BET Awards” along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.