Some years ago, the Afrobeats was largely unknown in the global music landscape. In the last decade, however, the genre has witnessed tremendous growth.
Its unique sound and unequal energy have endeared the genre to many music lovers across the globe. Nigerian artistes are also the driving force behind its surging influence.
On Sunday, the Afrobeats took centre stage again at the 2022 edition of the BET Awards held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
From snagging historic awards to electrifying performances, Nigerian artistes dazzled on arguably the biggest stage for celebrating black excellence in entertainment and sports.
PHEELZ PRE-SHOW PERFORMANCE
Phillip Kayode, the Nigerian producer and singer better known as Pheelz, stole the show at the BET awards pre-show outdoor event, which preceded the main ceremony.
In a Twitter post, Pheelz wrote: “About to be the first international artist to perform at the BET pre-show. Yeah, I’m super gassed.”
At the event, the musician delivered an electric performance of ‘Finesse’, his hit song, amid cheers from the audience.
The singer also reflected on his performance at the event, describing it as a “huge win” for his brand.
“One thing I’m not gonna let the world do is dictate what a win is and what it is not to me. I define that shit. This is a huge win for Pheelz. I’m Sharing this light with Nigeria and all the Triibe. Love,” he wrote.
One thing I’m not gonna let the world do is dictate what a win is and what it is not to me. I define that shit. THIS IS A HUGE WIN FOR PHEELZ. i’m Sharing this light with Nigeria and all the Triibe. Love🤟🏾
Advertisement— Pheelz (@Pheelz) June 27, 2022
TEMS, THE WOMAN OF THE MOMENT
Tems is unarguably enjoying the biggest moment of her growing music career.
Since taking part in Wizkid’s ‘Essence’, the hit track which also featured Justin Bieber, Tems has taken the global music landscape by storm.
It is therefore not surprising that the ‘Damages’ crooner, born Temilade Openiyi, was one of the major winners at this year’s edition of the BET awards.
Tems won the ‘Best International Act’ prize and made history as the first Nigerian female artiste to clinch the prestigious category.
Beating the likes of Dave, Dinos, Fally Ipupa, Fireboy, Little Simz, Ludmilla, Major League DJz, and Tayc to clinch the category is no easy feat.
Other Nigerian singers who have won the award category in the past include Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, 2Baba, D’banj, and Ice Prince.
Tems also won the ‘Best Collaboration’ category alongside Wizkid and Justin Bieber for their roles in ‘Essence’.
The ‘Crazy Things’ crooner, who was nominated in three categories, however, lost the ‘Best New Artist’ gong to Latto, the US rapper..
WIZKID’S HISTORIC WIN
Wizkid also made history at the event as his hit track ‘Essence’ clinched the ‘Best Collaboration’ category.
It is understood that the win makes ‘Essence’ the first African song to clinch a major category at the BET awards.
It also makes Wizkid the first African artiste to win four BET awards.
FIREBOY’S ELECTRIC PERFORMANCE
Fireboy has continued to soar higher in the past two years with numerous hit projects and awards.
He took his impressive career strides to another level on Sunday night when he mesmerised fans with colourful performances of his hit songs including ‘Playboy’ and ‘Peru’ at the BET Awards.
He also becomes the first African artiste to perform on the main stage at the BET Awards.
Fireboy shared the stage alongside renowned artistes like Diddy, Lil Wayne, Roddy Rich, and a host of others.
If anything, this year’s BET Awards is symptomatic of Afrobeats’ evolution, the growing influence, and heroics of Nigerian singers.
Copyright 2024 TheCable. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheCable.
Follow us on twitter @Thecablestyle