29th June, 2011
Nigeria’s Tuface Idibia and D’Banj recently added another international laurel to their mantelpiece as they emerged the joint winners of BET International Act For Africa at the 2011 BET Awards which took place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, United States.
In a very odd twist, the two Nigerian superstars who were the top contenders for the award tied for the singular honour in the same category that had legendary Angelique Kidjo of Benin Republic, Fally Ipupa (Congo DR) D-Black (Ghana), and Teargas (South Africa) also nominated.
At the ceremony, they were both presented with their plaques, though the segment was not broadcast live to the global audience monitoring the show.
In other BET Awards category, Tinie Tempah won the Best International Act (UK) award. Tinie Tempah, born Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu is a British-Nigerian. His parents are Nigerian and he recently performed at the 2011 ARISE Magazine Fashion Week in Lagos.
In other categories, the following emerged as winners of the international awards: Kanye West (Best Male Hip Hop Artist), Chris Brown (Best Male R&B Artist), Wiz Khalifa (Best New Artist), Diddy Dirty Money (Best Group), Nicki Minaj (Best Female Hip Hop Artist), and Mary Mary (Best Gospel)
Other winners are Best Collaboration -Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes, Look At Me Now; Young Stars Award-Jaden Smith and Willow Smith (Tie); Centric Award: Marsha Ambrosius; Best Actress: Taraji P. Henson; Best Actor: Idris Elba; Best Movie: For Colored Girls; Sportswoman of the Year: Serena Williams; Sportsman of the Year: Michael Vick and Viewers Choice Award: Chris Brown – Look at Me Now.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed on legendary singer Patti LaBelle, while Humanitarian Award went to Steve Harvey.
—Funsho Arogundade