South African stars won big at the BET Awards 2024, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Afrobeats pop star Tyla and Limpopo-born singer Makhadzi were some of the night’s winners.
MAKHADZI AND TYLA WINNERS AT BET AWARDS 2024
22-year-old Afrobeats star Tyla won Best New Artist and Best International Act, while Makhadzi won the BET Viewers’ Choice: Best International Act.
Tyla outshined Sexxy Red, 4Batz, 41, Ayra Starr, Bossman Dlow, Fridayy and October London to win Best New Artist. This was her second award of the night after bagging Best New International Act.
However, to win her BET Award, Makhadzi beat Bellah, Cristale, Duquesa, Holly G, Jungeli, Oruam, Seyi Vibez, and South Africa’s Tyler ICU. Makhadzi was also one of the stars who performed at the BET International nominees’ celebrations at the Grammy Museum on Friday.
However, a viral clip from the awards ceremony has since thrust the 28-year-old star into top trends. Makhadzi broke into tears when she received her award at the BET red carpet pre-show.
In the now-viral video, Makhadzi falls to the stage floor in a moment of shock and happiness when she is announced as the winner. However, she also wowed many with her red carpet-outfit. The Limpopo-born star wore a red silk gown by Mamello Makha inspired by the South African flag.
Speaking after winning her BET Award, Makhadzi said, “I’m so happy. I’m someone who started music from the streets, and today, I’m here; my dream just came true. I’m speechless. All I’m gonna say is that it’s possible for a black child to make it, and this is the best birthday ever.
Makhadzi started singing at a younger age. The BET award winner used to perform at Taxi ranks before her breakthrough. She went on to drop several albums before having her shot to fame in 2019. Since then, she has been winning big.
After receiving her BET Best New Artist award, Tyla said, “This is crazy.”
The Johannesburg-born megastar added, “I love Sexyy Red. I love her so much. This is such a gift to be here. I want to dedicate this one to Africa. I want to dedicate this one to all the African superstars before me who didn’t get the opportunities I am getting. It’s amazing. Africa to the world, guys.”
OTHER WINNERS
However, other BET Awards winners included Mike, who won the Album of the Year Award. Siza won the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist award, a category in which Tyla was also nominated. Usher won Best Male R&B/Pop Artist and the Lifetime Achievement Award.