Dust is yet to settle from the events surrounding the Black Entertainment Television awards (BET) 2017 which recently held at the Microsoft Theatre, LA on June 25th. Going past the social media actions from the WINNERS of this year’s event, alongside reactions coming from their fans, this article seeks to probe into the reasons why African participants are never on the BET Spotlight.

It is no news that the BET awards is a platform to celebrate African Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past 17 years. For the past years, the BET staged has been graced by the biggest music superstars on the planet, Black and white alike, thereby silently playing down on the BLACK origin of the event.

Apparently, the globalization of the event has been a mixed blessings. Evident with the foul play accusations from the entertainment community, especially those from Africa, calling out the organizers for giving a pedestrian treatment to African Acts.

Here are some Facts: First thing is The BET AWARD For Best International Act : Africa (and UK) is handed over to the Artist on the Day Before The Main Show. (An Act which Africa’s Headlining rap act, Cassper Nyovest and Ghana’s One Time BET Nominee Fuse ODG referred to as “Giving Us Our BETs Backstage”).

Here are some Facts: First thing is The BET AWARD For Best International Act : Africa (and UK) is handed over to the Artist on the Day Before The Main Show. (An Act which Africa’s Headlining rap act, Cassper Nyovest and Ghana’s One Time BET Nominee Fuse ODG referred to as “Giving Us Our BETs Backstage”).

The Award of The Best International Act: Africa is Never broadcast , Inspite complains from fans on social media.

Also, African musicians have cried out against being left out on nominations for major categories (especially Music) in The Award, Which leaves many thinking if Africans do not produce content worthy for the award.

These controversies have resulted to a seeming boycott of African musicians. Wizkid, 2017 Winner of Best International Act, Didn’t show Up for the event again this year, after the famous boycott tweet of 2015. Other African Acts Such as FUSE ODG has also boycotted the event in protest against the BET organizers.

What is in for The Future OF BET in Africa? Is The Platform Rightly supposed to give African Entertainers a bigger spotlight than they are asking for?

Share your thoughts with us.