Sauti Sol nominated for 2015 BET Awards

BET has announced the nominations for the “BET Awards” 2015.

Eight contemporary African artists have been nominated for Best International Act: Africa at the prestigious awards ceremony. Repping for Africa are Aka (South Africa), The Soil (South Africa), Wizkid(Nigeria), Yemi Alade (Nigeria), Sarkodie (Ghana), Stonebwoy (Ghana), Fally Ipupa (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Sauti Sol(Kenya).  In addition, Tanzanian supermodel Millen Magese (Tanzania) has been awarded the inaugural ‘Global Good Award’ in recognition of her philanthropic efforts in Africa.

The BET Awards 2015 premieres simultaneously on BET (DStv channel 129) and BET2 (DStv channel 135 and GOtv channel 23) at22:10 EAT on Tuesday 30 June.

Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj lead the BET Awards with an impressive six nominations. Chris Brown is nominated for ‘Best Male R&B/Pop Artist,’ two separate nods in the ‘Best Collaboration’ category, two nominations in the ‘Video of the Year’ category and the ‘Viewers’ Choice Award.’  Nicki Minaj is nominated ‘Best Collaboration’, ‘Best Female Hip Hop Artist’, ‘Video of the Year’, two nominations for ‘Viewers’ Choice Award’ and ‘Best Group’ as a member of Young Money.  Beyoncé and Lil Wayne round it out with four nominations each. Beyoncé is nominated for ‘Best Female R&B / Pop Artist’, ‘Video of the Year’, ‘Video Director of the Year’, and the coveted ‘Viewers’ Choice Award’.  Lil Wayne is nominated for ‘Best Collaboration’, ‘Video of the Year’, ‘Viewers’ Choice Award’, and ‘Best Group’ as a member of Young Money.  This year also marks a special milestone for the BET Awards as it celebrates its 15^th anniversary at the Nokia Theatre on Sunday 28 June.

BET Networks recognizes artists, entertainers, and athletes across 20 categories with the BET Awards 2015 nominations. The nominations are selected by BET’s Voting Academy, which is comprised of fans and entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and the creative arts.

“This year’s nominees showcase a diverse group of talent that includes longstanding entertainers, breakout performers, and outstanding athletes,” said Stephen Hill, BET’s President of Programming. “We congratulate all of the talent on their remarkable contributions to the world of entertainment and look forward to them joining us in celebrating 15 years of the BET Awards.”

Added Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, VIMN Africa, “We are thrilled that African artists and achievers are once again given this global platform to celebrate their contribution to African and African-American culture through our BET Awardsfranchise.”

The complete list of nominees for the BET Awards 2015 are:

Best International Act: Africa

• Aka (South Africa)
• Fally Ipupa (Dr Congo)
• Sarkodie (Ghana)
• Sauti Sol (Kenya)
• Stonebwoy (Ghana)
• The Soil (South Africa)
• Wizkid (Nigeria)
• Yemi Alade (Nigeria)

*New Category* BET Global Good Award

• Millen Magese (Tanzania)

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

• Beyoncé
• Ciara
• Janelle Monáe
• Jhené Aiko
• K. Michelle
• Rihanna

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

• August Alsina
• Chris Brown
• John Legend
• The Weeknd
• Trey Songz
• Usher

Best Group

• A$Ap Mob
• Jodeci
• Migos
• Rae Sremmurd
• Rich Gang
• Young Money

Best Collaboration

• August Alsina F/ Nicki Minaj – No Love (Remix)
• Big Sean F/ E-40 – Idfwu
• Chris Brown F/ Lil Wayne & Tyga – Loyal
• Chris Brown F/ Usher & Rick Ross – New Flame
• Common & John Legend – Glory (From The Motion Picture “Selma”)
• Mark Ronson F/ Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk

Best Male HipHop Artist

• Big Sean
• Common
• Drake
• J. Cole
• Kendrick Lamar
• Wale

Best Female HipHop Artist

• Azealia Banks
• Dej Loaf
• Iggy Azalea
• Nicki Minaj
• Tink
• Trina

Video of the Year

• Beyoncé – 7/11
• Big Sean F/ E-40 – Idfwu
• Chris Brown F/ Lil Wayne & Tyga – Loyal
• Chris Brown F/ Usher & Rick Ross – New Flame
• Common & John Legend – Glory (From The Motion Picture “Selma”)
• Nicki Minaj – Anaconda

Video Director of the Year

• Benny Boom
• Beyoncé, Ed Burke & Todd Tourso
• Chris Robinson
• Fatima Robinson
• Hype Williams

Best New Artist

• Bobby Shmurda
• Dej Loaf
• Fetty Wap
• Rae Sremmurd
• Sam Smith
• Tinashe

Best Gospel Artist

• Deitrick Haddon
• Erica Campbell
• Fred Hammond
• Lecrae
• Mali Music
• Michelle Williams

Best Actress

• Gabrielle Union
• Kerry Washington
• Taraji P. Henson
• Tracee Ellis Ross
• Viola Davis

Best Actor

• Anthony Anderson
• Idris Elba
• Jussie Smollett
• Kevin Hart
• Terrence Howard

Youngstars Award

• Jacob Latimore
• Jaden Smith
• Mo’ne Davis
• Quvenzhané Wallis
• Zendaya

Best Movie

• Annie
• Beyond The Lights
• Selma
• Think Like A Man Too
• Top Five

Sportswoman of the Year

• Brittney Griner
• Candace Parker
• Serena Williams
• Skylar Diggins
• Venus Williams

Sportsman of the Year

• Chris Paul
• Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
• Lebron James
• Marshawn Lynch
• Stephen Curry

Viewers’ Choice Award

• Beyoncé – 7/11
• Dej Loaf – Try Me
• Kendrick Lamar – I
• Nicki Minaj F/ Drake, Lil Wayne & Chris Brown – Only
• Rae Sremmurd F/ Nicki Minaj & Young Thug – Throw Sum Mo
• The Weeknd – Earned It (From The “Fifty Shades Of Grey” Soundtrack)

Centric Award

• Avery Sunshine – Call My Name
• Jazmine Sullivan F/ Meek Mill – Dumb
• Mark Ronson F/ Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk
• Sam Smith F/ Mary J. Blige – Stay With Me
• The Weeknd – Earned It (From The “Fifty Shades Of Grey” Soundtrack)

Best International Act: UK

• FKA Twigs
• Fuse Odg
• Lethal Bizzle
• Little Simz
• Mnek
• Stormzy

For more information on BET Awards 2015, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com.