The South African flag was flown high as two of our very own stars bagged wins at the 2024 BET Awards show.

Hosted by Taraji P. Henson at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, the four-hour show featured an array of memorable performances and big wins for South African artists Tyla and Makhadzi. 

Limpopo-born artist Makhadzi won a BET Award in the Viewers’ Choice category for Best New International Act. The artist took to X to show her gratitude for all the support she has received over the years. The award came as a special present for the entertainer who was also celebrating her birthday. She showcased her Venda culture by laying down on the stage to show her gratitude.

The global sensation Tyla won two awards. The Water singer was nominated in four categories and took home the Best International Act and the Best New Artist awards. In one of her acceptance speeches, she said her viral “This is crazy” line from the Grammys and expressed gratitude to all her supporters. The star also delivered an unforgettable performance of her song Jump, which had the audience on their feet. The performance was elevated with features from US rapper Gunna and Jamaican-born artist Skillibeng. 

The performance featured an illusion of dancers painted to look like a tiger- in reference to the name given to her fanbase (Tygers). We just can’t help but fall in love with Tyla’s artistry because of her attention to detail, among other things. 

Speaking of unforgettable performances, Victoria Monét had everyone in awe with her performance. The Grammy-award-winning artist kicked things off with an incredible performance of her smash hit On My Mama, followed by a performance of her latest hit Alright, with producer Kaytranda on the decks. The performer also won two awards for Video of the Year for On My Mama and the BET HER award. The artist was also one of the artists who performed a tribute to Usher. 

The tribute was a star-studded performance of Usher’s songs by stars like Keke Palmer, Tinashe, Teyana Taylor, Coco Jones, and more. It was a real standout moment of the night. The tribute took place before the singer was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Childish Gambino kicked the performance off with a performance of U Don’t Have To Call, followed by Keke Palmer’s performance of You Make Me Wanna. Coco Jones delivered an electrifying performance of There Goes My Baby, Chloë Bailey took charge of Good Kisser, Tinashe performed Nice and Slow, and Victoria Monét came together with Teyana Taylor to deliver a performance of Bad Girl. L.A Reid, Babyface, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis then presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Usher. Although the audio kept cutting off during his acceptance speech, the icon thanked all the artists who performed his songs for the tribute and reflected on his career, stating that it wasn’t an easy journey: “Those moments that become legacy are all about expression and just having fun and finding the connection and really, the spark.” 

The BET Awards honoured the cultural heritage and celebrated the achievements of Black Artists. It was a night of joy, reflection and inspiration. 

Here’s a full list of winners: 

Album of the Year

Killer Mike, Michael

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

SZA

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

Usher

Best Group

¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $ign

Best Collaboration

Lil Durk feat. J. Cole, “All My Life”

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist

Nicki Minaj

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist

Kendrick Lamar

Best New Artist

Tyla

Video of the Year

Victoria Monét, “On My Mama”

Video Director of the Year

Cole Bennett

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award

Tems, “Me & U”

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

Best Actress

Regina King

YoungStars Award

Blue Ivy Carter

Sportswoman of the Year Award

Angel Reese

Sportsman of the Year Award

Jalen Brunson