BET AWARDS 2019

The 19th annual BET Awards ‘Black Entertainment Awards’ took place on Sunday night 23 June 2019, at the Microsoft Centre in Los Angeles.

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The BET Awards aim to celebrate African Americans and other American minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment. This year’s celebration was a fun packed show, which celebrated R&B music icon, Mary J. Blige, filmmaker Tyler Perry, movie producer John Singleton and the late Nipsey Hussle. 

There was plenty of star power and quite it was quite the fashion show, with our very own African stars making a statement on the red carpet – scooping up a few awards of their own!

Let see who stood out on the red carpet!



NOMZAMO MBATHA
Nomzamo always delivers amazing looks at events, and this time she managed to land on the international best-dressed lists. Wearing local designer Lion Cloth & Ashes’ grey baby doll dress with flower embellishments, she truly represented Mzansi in style!



SHO MADJOZI
There’s just no stopping the Tsonga queen, Sho Madjozi! She turned heads in an eccentric patchwork number, which was influenced by her signature Tsonga style. She topped the look off with popping pink braids. She won the ‘Best New International Act’ award for her very successful album Limpopo Champions League, becoming the first South African female to ever win a BET award. In her acceptance speech, she spoke fondly of her hometown Limpopo and how her humble beginnings did not prevent her from being the superstar she’s always dreamt of.

“My story is a testament that you can come from any village, in any forgotten part of the world, and still be a superstar."

BURNA BOY
Also representing Africa at the BET Awards was Nigerian musician Burna Boy. He was nominated in the same category as rapper AKA for ‘Best International Act’ and he won. His mother and manager, Bose Ogulu, accepted the award on his behalf and gave the audience a message from Burna saying, “Every black person should please remember that you were African before you became anything else.” Well done to Burna Boy!



MARY J. BLIGE
It was an extra special night for R&B royalty Mary J. Blige, as she took home the most meaningful prize, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The 48-year-old legend graced the carpet in a stunning white and gold Grecian gown and curly blonde hair. Mary was introduced on stage by musician Rihanna, who raved about Mary’s influence on her own career saying, “On behalf of all the women who came after you, like myself, thank you for being you so we could feel comfortable being ourselves."



REGINA HALL
Comedy actress Regina Hall was the ultimate host at this year’s BET Awards and had the crowd in the palm of her hand with jokes and hilarious parodies throughout the night. She hit the stage in a couple of outfit changes, our favourite was this jaw-dropping sequined purple jumpsuit with a deep V-neck. Many commented that she should’ve been the host of the BET Awards much sooner, that’s how good she was!



NOMALANGA SHOZI
Mzansi actress and presenter, Nomalanga Shozi, was one of the hosts on the BET red carpet representing Africa on a large scale. The bubbly host showed off in a white bedazzled mini dress, dressed by South African designer Rich Mnisi while rubbing shoulders with Hollywood’s elite. Another proud moment for Mzansi!