The integration of Afrobeats in global pop culture gets another boost at the 2022 BET awards. The BET Awards celebrate music, film, television and sports performances that have made the most significant impact on culture over the past year, and the 22nd annual ceremony was no exception. Held last Sunday night at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles and hosted by Taraji P. Henson, the award show saw highprofile figures across every sector of the entertainment industry receive trophies for their work. This year’s edition saw an increase in the number of recognised Nigerians—nominations, award wins and performances.

Two of afrobeats leading voices, Wizkid and Tems, won the “Best Collaboration” category alongside Justin Bieber for their last summer’s global hit song, Essence, making them the first African acts to win a major category at the BET Awards. They were up against powerful names such as Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Future, etc.

Tems also carted home this year’s “Best International Act,” beating fellow Nigerian R&B singer/songwriter, Fireboy DML to the big prize. She made history as the first Nigerian and African female musician to win the coveted category. On the performance front, Fireboy DML, thrilled the crowd with his renditions, while yet another of our own producer/singer, Pheelz, took to the stage to perform his recently viral hit song, Finesse, at the pre-show. However, as far as style goes, here are how some of your favourite celebrities showed up on the night.

 

Kehindé Fagbule
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Self-identifies as a middle child between millennials and the gen Z, began writing as a 14 year-old. Born and raised in Lagos where he would go on to obtain a degree in the University of Lagos, he mainly draws inspiration from societal issues and the ills within. His "live and let live" mantra shapes his thought process as he writes about lifestyle from a place of empathy and emotional intelligence. When he is not writing, he is very invested in football and sociopolitical commentary on social media.