Nigerian music sensation Burna Boy’s career has soared even higher after he won the prestigious ‘Best International Act’ accolade at the 2023 Black Entertainment Awards (BET). The event, held at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, saw Burna Boy triumph over notable contenders such as Ayra Starr from Nigeria, Central Cee from the UK, and Stormzy, also from the UK.
Although present at the ceremony when his name was announced as the victor, Burna Boy’s mother and manager, Bose Ogulu, graciously accepted the award on his behalf. The recognition comes on the heels of Burna Boy’s immensely successful 2022 album, ‘Love, Damini,’ which achieved worldwide acclaim and featured the chart-topping hit ‘Last Last.’
Among the esteemed nominees in the ‘Best International Act’ category were Aya Nakamura, Ayra Starr, Central Cee, Ella Mai, K.O, L7nnon, Stormzy, Tiakola, and South African Amapiano sensation Uncle Waffles. With this recent win, Burna Boy solidifies his position as the most decorated individual in the history of the BET Awards’ ‘Best International Act’ category, having now won it four times.
His previous victories came consecutively in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Since the category’s inception in 2018, Nigerian artists have exclusively claimed the ‘Best International Act’ honor, with Davido becoming the inaugural winner. Last year, rising Nigerian music star Tems emerged victorious in the same category, showcasing the ongoing dominance of Nigerian talent on the global stage.
In another category, Nigerian singer Asake unfortunately missed out on the ‘Best New International’ award, which was won by Cameroonian star Libianca. Libianca gained fame through her sensational hit ‘People,’ solidifying her rising status in the music industry.
