Ghanaian actor and comedian Michael Blackson at the 2024 BET Awards.
The blue carpet of the 23rd BET Awards in Los Angeles was a dazzling showcase of Black talent, style, and culture.
Music superstars like Tyla, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, and Tems, led the African contingent going into the awards ceremony this year.
This highly anticipated event drew some of the most exciting figures from across the continent, creating an unforgettable demonstration of excellence.
From gorgeous outfits to exciting interviews, this year’s event celebrated the diverse contributions of Africans in entertainment.
Here’s what African stars wore to the event and what they have to say about music on the continent.
Michael Blackson
Ghanaian actor and comedian Michael Blackson lit up the blue carpet with a glittering overcoat as he lists his top five African artists. He cites Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid in his Top 3. “I’m [also] going with a guy that doesn’t get a lot of props, but my playlist has more of his songs than anybody else,” he says to OkayAfrica, referring to Kizz Daniel. He then mentions Asake andDiamond Platnumz as two other acts on his list.
Tyla
Tyla takes the BET Awards2024 in a dress that pays homage to her fans.
Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage via Getty Images
South African songstress Tyla, who clinched the awards for Best New Artist and Best New International Act, out of her four nominations, captivated attendees in a black dress with its hem adorned with fascinating tiger stripes, an ode to her growing fanbase, tigers.
Emerson Bockarie
Sierra Leonean performer Emerson Bockarie at the 2024 BET Awards.
Photo by Frazer Harrison/FilmMagic via Getty Images.
Sierra Leonean performer Emerson Bockarie tells OkayAfrica that he’s proud of his fellow African acts. “Nigerians are really doing it,” he says, nodding his head to Asake, Davido, and Wizkid. “Burna Boy is a beast. Asake is doing his thing… Sierra Leone has also played an immense role when it comes to Afrobeats,” he adds.
Focalistic
Focalistic was nominated in the Best International Act alongside Asake, Tyla, and Ayra Starr.
Photo by Frazer Harrison/FilmMagic via Getty Images.
South African rapper Focalistic, nominated for Best International Act alongside Asake, Tyla, and Ayra Starr, made a bold statement in a striking red outfit, showing everyone he was there to make an outstanding impression.
Akon and Amirror
Akon promised new music and new artists on the blue carpet.
Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
Akon showed up with his wife, singer, Tomeka “Amirror” Thiam, promising new albums, new artists, and a lot of exciting new music videos shot in his home country Senegal.
Responding to a question about whether the BET should create an African music category, Akon says, “If anyone should have an African music category, it’s BET.”