Several African celebrities have voiced their opinions on the humiliating manner in which the organizers have treated African nominees of their awards, by presenting their plaque to them backstage at the pre-show, followed by an “acceptance speech” to an empty audience.
Nigerian music artiste Yemi Alade who was one of the musicians nominated for the ‘Best International Act Africa’ category at the recently concluded 2015 BET Awards – an award that was won by Ghanaian dancehall artist Stonebwoy (Click here if you missed it) – posted a message to BET Africa regarding her views on the derogatory manner in which the celebs were treated saying:
“It is wrong to nominate huge African stars and publicly try to humiliate Africa…”
Wizkid who was also nominated in the Best African Act category, snubbed the BET Awards pre show altogether and later shared on Twitter his comments:
Lol So I’m hearing BET is mad cos I didn’t come for the pre shows and interviews! Lol.
— Wizkid Ayo Balogun (@wizkidayo) June 29, 2015
I love u all for what u do for black entertainment worldwide.I respect the fact u guys do this every year.i know it’s not easy.I understand — Wizkid Ayo Balogun (@wizkidayo) June 29, 2015
But I won’t be attending ur preshows and nominee parties if I’m getting the award at 10am before the main show.
— Wizkid Ayo Balogun (@wizkidayo) June 29, 2015
Same reason I didn’t come back stage to pick up the award when I won the first time — Wizkid Ayo Balogun (@wizkidayo) June 29, 2015
I’m in LA to work and decided to see the show cos I got love for u guys.
— Wizkid Ayo Balogun (@wizkidayo) June 29, 2015
I don’t post about nominations or talk about awards cos I don’t really care to be honest. Just a bunch of peeps putting together a show! — Wizkid Ayo Balogun (@wizkidayo) June 29, 2015
I love u BET! If I’m in the city when next u doing the award show , I’ll still come to watch. Lol
— Wizkid Ayo Balogun (@wizkidayo) June 29, 2015
Ghanaian rapper FUSE ODG also lashed the organizers of the BET Awards on Sunday night for their treatment of African artistes via his tweet below:
Dear @BET, the reason why I didn’t come is because you give our awards backstage! You have no respect for our hard work and achievements
— Fuse ODG (@FuseODG) June 28, 2015
