Zimpapers Logo

Showbiz Reporter
2020 marked both the 20th anniversary of the American Black Entertainment Television Network (BET) awards and BET’s 40th anniversary.

This year’s awards show that was held virtually on Sunday evening (American time), highlighted the absolute best in entertainment, social justice and culture with moving performances and appearances by some of the biggest names across television, film, and music; spreading and inspiring an important message of hope and change.

Africa was well represented as Sho Madjozi, Burna Boy and INNOSS’B battled it out for the number one spot in the Best International Act category while Sha Sha and Remi were nominated in the Viewer’s Choice Best New International Act category. Pan-African superstar and globally recognised Burna Boy won Best International Act for the second time running during the virtually produced BET Awards 2020 show. New sensation, Zimbabwean Sha Sha collected the Viewer’s Choice Best New International Act award.

Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ViacomCBS Networks Africa and Peer Lead BET International said: “The Best International Act categories over the years have honoured the outstanding achievements of some of the most talented international acts from across the world.

“BET is committed to shining a light on talent, elevating our culture and promoting diversity through song. This year’s winners and nominees reflect an abundance of creative expression. We salute all the nominees and winners.”

The BET Awards celebrated not only its 20th anniversary but also the increased focus currently on the Black community and culture Sunday. The theme of Sunday’s show “Our Culture Can’t Be Cancelled” came at a time of cultural unrest over racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd’s death while in the custody of Minneapolis police.

The ceremony was an extraordinary celebration of black culture, love, joy, and pride, setting a new bar for awards shows produced during the ongoing pandemic.

The show was broadcast virtually in response to safety precautions in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Winners in the 21 categories were selected by BET’s Voting Academy, which is made up of fans and an esteemed group of entertainment professionals.

Below is the complete list of the 2020 BET Awards winners:

BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT

BURNA BOY (NIGERIA)

VIEWERS’ CHOICE: BEST NEW INTERNATIONAL ACT

SHA SHA (ZIMBABWE)

BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST

LIZZO

BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST

CHRIS BROWN

BEST GROUP

MIGOS

BEST COLLABORATION

CHRIS BROWN FT. DRAKE – “NO GUIDANCE”

BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST

DABABY

BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST

MEGAN THEE STALLION

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

DJ KHALED FT. NIPSEY HUSSLE & JOHN LEGEND – “HIGHER”

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

TEYANA “SPIKE TEE” TAYLOR

BEST NEW ARTIST

RODDY RICCH

DR. BOBBY JONES BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD

KIRK FRANKLIN – “JUST FOR ME”                                        

BEST ACTRESS

ISSA RAE

BEST ACTOR

MICHAEL B. JORDAN

YOUNGSTARS AWARD

MARSAI MARTIN

BEST MOVIE

QUEEN & SLIM

 SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

SIMONE BILES

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

LEBRON JAMES

PLEASE EXCUSE ME FOR BEING ANTISOCIAL (RODDY RICCH)

BET HER AWARD

BEYONCÉ FT. BLUE IVY CARTER, WIZKID & SAINT JHN “BROWN SKIN GIRL”