BET debate needless

The controversy over nominations for the Best International Act –Africa category of Black Entertainment Awards (BET) seems to arise every year and this year has been no exception.

The bone of contention, ever since Africa act category of the awards was introduced about five years ago has been over the supposed “backstage presentation” of the award.

For many African acts, the presentation of the award at the pre-event rather than the main event is an insult and an affront to their egos.

Although it has been explained countless times that the pre-event where the African act award is presented is taped and aired together with the main event which is also prerecorded, detractors and some artistes have still remained adamant in their condemnation of the event.

Showbiz believes that the backstage or main stage debate is irrelevant and detracts from the main value of the award, which is the worldwide exposure it gives artistes.

Regardless of where the award is presented, the fact remains that the BET Awards is a big deal and winning it gives an artiste enormous clout and worldwide recognition.

African artistes and critics engaging in the mainstage/backstage debate need to ask themselves if African artistes have actually earned the right to complain about where they receive their award.

As stated by an official of BET some years ago, the award owes Africans nothing and it would not cost organisers a thing to take away that category that is generating so much debate and negative publicity.

Without a greater market share and presence in the US market, there is no reason BET will be compelled to present the award to African artistes on the main stage that they seem to care about so much. If African artistes want recognition, they have to work for it rather than complain on social media.