The highlights from this years BET awards.

The legendary BET Awards returned on Sunday the 28th of June with the theme being ‘Year of the Black Women’.

 In honour of the achievements of black women as well as a way to show Black women in the music industry and outside that they are seen, supported and appreciated by the BET community. 

BET began in 1980 and was founded by Robert L. Johnson. Johnson started out as a lobbyist in the cable television industry which soon led him to envision a tv channel dominated by African American’s for African Americans and so BET was born. 

 Today we know BET to be our point of call to be entertained, watch music videos and find out who’s new on the scene as well as who’s currently on top.

 The history of BET is rich, as a platform that celebrates and showcases black talent it’s important for them to be culturally and socially aware this includes the ongoing conversation around the judgment and critique black women are subjected to. This conversation resurfaced after Megan Thee Stallion was shot by Tory Lanez. BET  dedicating this years theme to Black Women shows the music industry recognises the impact black women have on the industry and the world overall.

Perfect for the job Award-winning actress Taraji P Henson hosted the ceremony in a gold outfit in true celebration of Black entertainment. Taraji got the show started by giving one of her iconic speeches honouring black women.

“Celebrating Black women isn’t a fad or a trend it’s a forever mood”

Taraji P. Henson

Bringing laughs and nostalgia Taraji P. Henson dressed as some of her favourite black women in the music industry. This included the queen of afrofuturistic looks Erykah Badu.

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Starting the awards off right Queen Latifa received a lifetime achievements award having been a huge part of the culture from past to present. Many feel it’s been a long time coming for the Queen to receive the recognition she deserves. 

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BET covered a range of awards from album of the year, best music video, Best international artist won by Nigerian artist Burna Boy and Best female artist won by Mean Thee Stallion who went home with the most awards. New on the scene, the singer with a soulful and unique voice Giveon won the award for best new artist. 

Giving Beyoncé a run for her money H.E.R  wins the BET award for best female R&B artists. Nominations included Summer Walker, Jazmine Sullivan, SZA, Beyoncé and Jhene Aiko.

The ceremony was full of glitz and glam as well as a surprise announcement from Cardi B showing off her baby bump for her and offsets baby number two.

This years award ceremony was another reminder to the black community of what be achieved when we support each other, there’s more than enough room to celebrate everyone.