Again, kudos to MTV Awards at the recently concluded MAMA for pulling together a great show that will forever leave a positive mark with the attendees and viewers of the event!
And, It’s high time for the organizers of BET Awards to learn from MTV (MAMA), on how to integrate and embrace African Music into their Platform.. instead of disgracing them every year in Hollywood!
We reported a few weeks ago that several African Music Superstars took to social media to blast BET for inadequately recognizing, respecting and showcasing the best of African talents to the rest of the world, especially the ‘Best International Act: Africa’ nominees that were invited to Los Angeles for the award ceremony. CLICK HERE if you missed it!
Celebs including Yemi Alade, Dencia, Wizkid, and more lashed the organizers of BET Awards for dishonoring them by giving them the award in front of an empty stage, five hours before the main event; and BET Awards’ Organizer/ Director, Lilian N. Blankson then slammed African Artistes ever more, with her response (click here if you missed it):
“First of all, tell the truth and stop tweeting lies and mis-truths. There has never been a backstage presentation of any award. Pre recorded. We need to work hard and get our music on the radio here in the US. How do people respect your brand when you are not on the radio?”
“Make your music more internationally appealing. Think of ways to get all audiences invested. Oliver Twist is a great example. Universal story,” she added.
Well.. We have news for you BET – African’s love their music the way it is.. In fact, American music does not get that much grounds in Africa, and that’s truth!
What MTV has done for African music is really impressive! They learnt that African’s love their music so much, and it will not make sense to bring them to Hollywood and disgrace them, and they therefore took a more strategic route in ensuring that the best of the best is recognized using an African version of their platform… That’s the difference between a smart organization and one that is just out there with no firm and proper direction for multi-cultural integration.
This article is in no way written to discredit BET’s great accomplishments in other areas, it’s just an advise that they can either accept or not!
CLICK HERE to check out the WINNERS of the 2015 MAMAs.
CLICK HERE to check out the best of female fashion at the 2015 MAMAs.
CLICK HERE to check out the best of male fashion at the 2015 MAMAs.
Article by ObiOne for Golden Icons;
