The 2023 BET Awards aired live from the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, United States on Sunday, June 25th. This year’s event was organised in honour of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.

True to form, the vibrant presence of Afrobeats stars illuminated the event. Burna Boy emerged as the recipient of the “Best International Act” award, signifying his fourth consecutive victory as he has consistently secured the award in 2019, 2020, 2021, and now in 2023. He competed against prominent artists like the French musician, Aya Nakamura, British R&B singer, Ella Mai, the UK rappers, Stormzy and Central Cee, and Nigeria’s very own Sabi Girl, Ayra Starr.

Ever since the inception of the “Best International Act” category at the BET Awards in 2018, Nigerians have claimed exclusive victory. Davido, as the pioneer recipient, proudly set the precedent as the very first winner of this category.

Tems received the award for “Best Collaboration”, thanks to her contribution to the Grammy award-winning song, “Wait For U” with Future and Drake.

Davido’s performance was also one of the highlights of the night as the artist graced the stage, delighting the audience with a high-energy performance of his amapiano track, “Unavailable”, one of the hit records off his latest album, Timeless. His electrifying and magnetic presence left the crowd thoroughly entertained.

The award for “Best New International” which Asake was nominated for was obtained instead by Cameroonian star, Libianca.

See full winners list below:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR (TIE)

SOS – SZA

RENAISSANCE – Beyoncé

BEST COLLABORATION

“WAIT FOR U” – Future feat. Drake & Tems

BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST

SZA

BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST (TIE)

Chris Brown

Usher

BEST NEW ARTIST

Coco Jones

BEST GROUP

Drake x 21 Savage

BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST

Latto

BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST

Kendrick Lamar

DR. BOBBY JONES BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD

“Bless Me” – Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin

BET HER AWARD

Break My Soul – Beyoncé

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

“Kill Bill” – SZA

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Teyana “Spike Tey” Taylor

BEST MOVIE

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

BEST ACTRESS

Angela Bassett

BEST ACTOR

Damson Idris

YOUNGSTARS AWARD

Marsai Martin

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Angel Reese

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

Jalen Hurts

VIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD

“Break My Soul” – Beyoncé

BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT

Burna Boy