The BET Awards 2024 honored outstanding Black achievements in entertainment on Sunday night, where South African singer Tyla won the Best New Artist and Best International Act Awards.
Tyla’s rise to fame started with her hit debut single, “Water,” which earned her global recognition and the first-ever Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance earlier this year.
At the BET Awards, she prevailed in the Best New Artist category, beating out fellow African artist Ayra Starr, 41, 4Batz, Bossman Dlow, Fridayy, October London, and Sexyy Red.
In the Best International Act category, Tyla outshone a diverse group of talented nominees, including Asake (Africa), Aya Nakamura (France), Ayra Starr (Africa), Bk’ (Brazil), Cleo Sol (UK), Focalistic (Africa), Karol Conká (Brazil), Raye (UK), and Tiakola (France).
The night began with an energetic opening performance by Megan Thee Stallion, who wowed the audience with her hits “BOA” and “Where Them Girls At.”
A special moment of the evening was the honoring of R&B legend Usher with the “Lifetime Achievement Award.”
The award was presented by industry giants Babyface and L.A. Reid. A star-studded musical tribute followed, featuring performances of Usher’s hits by artists like Chlöe Bailey, Childish Gambino, KeKe Palmer, CoCo Jones, Tinashe, Latto, and more.
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Usher also won the award for “Best Male R&B/Pop Artist.”
Will Smith made a memorable return to music, performing his new single “You Can Make It.”
His performance featured Gospel icon Kirk Franklin and the Sunday Service Choir, delivering an uplifting and powerful message.
Another highlight was Victoria Monet, who earned her first BET Award and dazzled the audience with her performance.
BET Awards 2024 Complete Winners
Album of the Year – Killer Mike, “Michael”
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist – SZA
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – Usher
Video of the Year – Victoria Monét, “On My Mama”
Best New Artist – Tyla
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar
Video Director of the Year – Cole Bennett
Best Group – ¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $ign
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – Tems “Me & U”
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist – Nicki Minaj
Best Collaboration – Lil Durk feat. J. Cole, “All My Life”
Viewer’s Choice Award – Beyoncé, “Texas Hold ‘Em”
Best international Act – Tyla (Africa)
Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act – Makhadzi (Africa)
BET Her – Victoria Monét, “On My Mama”
Best Movie – Bob Marley: One Love
Best Actor – Denzel Washington
YoungStars Award – Blue Ivy Carter
Best Actress – Regina King
Sportswoman of the Year Award – Angel Reese
Sportsman of the Year Award – Jalen Brunson