Nigerian Artists Who Have Won BET Awards
Nigeria is home to some of the most talented and successful artists in the world. For decades, Nigerian artists have been recognized for their unique sound and creativity, and many of them have won awards at the prestigious BET Awards. In this blog post, we will be exploring the Nigerian artists who have won BET Awards over the years and celebrating their success.
Wizkid
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known by his stage name Wizkid, is one of Nigeria’s most talented and successful artists. He began his career in music as a teenager and quickly gained recognition with his unique sound, which blended Afrobeats with hip hop and R&B. Since then, he has released four studio albums and collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Drake, Beyoncé, and Chris Brown.
In 2012, Wizkid won his first BET Award for Best International Act Africa, making him the first Nigerian artist to receive the award. He has since won the award three more times, in 2017, 2019, and 2020, cementing his status as a trailblazer in African music. Wizkid’s success has paved the way for other Nigerian artists to gain international recognition and has helped to put Afrobeats on the map.
In addition to his music career, Wizkid is also known for his philanthropy and social activism. He has used his platform to raise awareness about social issues and has donated to various causes, including supporting victims of the Nigerian floods in 2017.
Wizkid continues to push the boundaries of Afrobeats and has earned his place as one of Nigeria’s most successful and beloved artists. His music and his legacy have inspired a new generation of artists to follow in his footsteps and create their unique sound.
Davido
Davido, also known as David Adeleke, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has established himself as one of the biggest names in Afrobeats’ music. He was born on November 21, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia, but moved back to Nigeria at a young age. He started making music while studying business administration at Oakwood University in Alabama.
Davido’s debut single, “Back When,” featuring Nigerian rapper Naeto C, was released in 2011. He followed up with the hit song “Dami Duro,” which earned him widespread recognition and established him as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music scene. He has since released four studio albums, and numerous hit singles, and collaborated with many local and international artists.
In 2014, Davido won the Best International Act award at the BET Awards, becoming the first African artist to win the category. He has also won several other awards, including MTV Africa Music Awards, Headies Awards, and the MOBO Awards.
Davido is known for his infectious and danceable music that blends elements of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and pop. He has collaborated with several international artists, including Chris Brown, Young Thug, and Popcaan. His music videos have garnered millions of views on YouTube and he has a massive social media following.
Beyond his music, Davido is also known for his philanthropy work, supporting various causes, including education, health, and poverty alleviation. He has built schools and donated funds to various organizations, making him not just a music icon but a social activist as well.
Overall, Davido’s contribution to Afrobeats music and his impact on the African music industry cannot be overemphasized. He has proven that African music can be mainstream and has broken several barriers in the global music scene. It is no surprise that he continues to be one of the most celebrated artists not just in Nigeria, but globally.
Burna Boy
In recent years, Burna Boy has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most successful and beloved artists, with hits like “Ye,” “On the Low,” and “Anybody.” His unique sound draws from a range of influences, including reggae, Afrobeats, and hip-hop, and his lyrics often touch on themes of love, unity, and cultural identity.
But Burna Boy’s success extends beyond Nigeria and the African continent. In 2019, he became the first Nigerian artist to be nominated for a Grammy Award, in the Best World Music Album category, for his album “African Giant.” While he ultimately lost out to Angelique Kidjo, the nomination was a major milestone for Burna Boy and Nigerian music as a whole
The nomination was the result of a year of hard work and high-profile collaborations for Burna Boy. In addition to “African Giant,” which was critically acclaimed for its powerful message and infectious rhythms, he also worked on projects with artists like Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, and Jorja Smith, bringing his unique style to a global audience.
Burna Boy’s Grammy nomination was a moment of pride for Nigerians everywhere, who saw it as a sign of the growing recognition of Nigerian music on the world stage. And while he may not have taken home the award, there is no doubt that Burna Boy will continue to push boundaries and create music that resonates with audiences both in Nigeria and around the world.
Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage is undoubtedly one of the most popular female Nigerian artists, and it’s not hard to see why. With her soulful voice and catchy tunes, she has managed to capture the hearts of many music lovers around the world.
The singer, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria, began her career in the United States as a backup vocalist for various artists such as George Michael and Mary J. Blige. However, in 2010, she decided to move back to Nigeria to pursue her music career.
Since then, Tiwa Savage has been on a roll, releasing hit after hit. In 2014, she won the award for Best Female at the MTV Africa Music Awards, and in 2018, she became the first African female artist to sign a global deal with Universal Music Group.
Tiwa Savage’s music is a blend of Afro-pop, R&B, and hip-hop, which has earned her the title of the Queen of Afro-pop. She sings in both English and Yoruba, and her music often tackles social issues such as love, empowerment, and female independence.
Some of her popular songs include “All Over,” “Malo,” and “Diet,” which have gained massive airplay across the globe. Tiwa Savage has also collaborated with other top artists such as Beyonce, Wizkid, and Davido, to name a few.
In 2019, Tiwa Savage was nominated for a BET Award in the Best International Act category. Although she did not win, her nomination was proof of her hard work and dedication to her craft.
Tiwa Savage is not only an exceptional musician but also a role model to many young women in Africa and beyond. She uses her music to inspire and empower young women, proving that women can thrive in any industry, including the male-dominated music industry.
