In a groundbreaking achievement, Burna Boy, the renowned Nigerian artist, etched his name in history at the BET Awards 2023 by securing the Best International Act award for an unprecedented fourth consecutive time.
However, this year's ceremony didn't witness any Nigerian artist accompanying him on the winner's stage.
Among the Nigerian contenders was the promising talent Asake, who had his sights set on the coveted award. Ultimately, the Best International New Act category saw Cameroonian vocal sensation Libianca emerge victorious, leaving Asake behind.
Libianca's triumph in the Best International New Act category at the BET Awards 2023 has triggered a flurry of reactions across Nigerian social media platforms. Many individuals expressed their disappointment, labeling the outcome as a case of “daylight robbery.”
Asake, a gifted artist under the YBNL label, had been vying for the esteemed award. However, his loss to Libianca has sparked a debate among fans and industry observers.
Speculation has arisen that Asake's defeat might be attributed to his predominant use of Yoruba, his indigenous language, in his music. The controversy surrounding Libianca's victory has brought attention to the subjective nature of awards and the multitude of factors involved in the selection process.
While Asake's supporters argue that his music transcends language barriers and shouldn't hinder his chances of winning, others contend that international recognition often favors artists who cater to a broader, more global audience.
The outcome of this year's Best International New Act category has sparked a broader conversation regarding the influence of language and cultural diversity on award shows.
See how social media users reacted below:
@___bbr007 said; “What did you expect? English songs will always thrive more than indigenous songs cause the majority of the world understands English, and people can really connect with Labianca song on different levels compared to Asake songs.”
@mikemuller170 wrote; “Well deserved no be everybody like noise.”
@bahdt_girl_annie1 said; “She dey sing song way everybody understand so I'm not surprised.”
@damijo_charmlv wrote; “You all should learn to congratulate people, not everything you will say it was rigged, she deserves it abeg, let her breath go baby girl.”
@es.vee.tea said; “Not surprised and this song blew up on social media as well.”
@roy_billion said; “She sings with English, so I'm not surprised.”
@___godwithus said; “How many of you voted for ASAKE? Even ASAKE self no post for him page. How fans wan take know say nomination dey somewhere…”
@big_name_prince wrote; “I bet everyone on here havent heard her name before till today award shows are trash.
@rhi.ley16 said: “Asake no reach. Not be to dey sing Yoruba amapiano.”
@mastertrizzy_ wrote; “I tot they stop giving backstage award.”
Watch video below…
