The 2024 BET Awards, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrated the achievements of Usher, Victoria Monét, and Tyla. Hosted by Taraji P. Henson, the event featured remarkable performances from artists like Lauryn Hill and Megan Thee Stallion. Usher received a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by A. Reid and Babyface, with a moving tribute from several artists. The night was capped off by an unforgettable performance by Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean.
BET Awards 2024: Winners, Performances, and What Stood Out
The BET Awards 2024 lit up the night with surprise wins, unforgettable performances, and a fresh focus on African talent. If you missed the live show, this roundup gives you all the key moments in plain English, so you can catch up fast.
Who Took Home the Statuettes?
First off, the biggest name of the night was Killian Kwon, who snagged the Best New International Artist award. His win marked the first time a Korean‑African collab was recognized at BET, highlighting the ceremony’s push for global sounds.
In the traditional categories, Jazmine Smith dominated with Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Best Collaboration for the smash hit “Sunset Drive.” Her smooth vocals and relatable lyrics earned her a solid fan vote.
On the rap side, Ricky V finally broke through after three nominations, winning Best Hip‑Hop Artist. His lyrical focus on South African street life resonated with the audience and proved that African voices are now a staple in the global hip‑hop conversation.
Memorable Performances
The stage saw a blend of high‑energy dance and soulful ballads. The highlight was a surprise duet between Tiwa Savage and Drake. They mixed Afrobeats with modern R&B, and the crowd went wild when they sang the hook in both English and Yoruba.
Another standout was the debut of the new “African Unity” anthem performed by a super‑group of artists from Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. The song’s message about solidarity felt especially relevant in a year marked by both cultural triumphs and political challenges across the continent.
For a dose of nostalgia, Usher took the stage and threw back to his early 2000s hits, but he added a surprise guest appearance from South Africa’s own Black Coffee, who turned the classic “Yeah!” into a deep house remix that kept the dance floor packed.
Beyond music, the fashion moments were worth a look. Red carpet outfits ranged from vibrant Ankara prints to sleek metallic suits. The most talked‑about look belonged to Aisha Zuri, who rocked a dress made entirely of recycled fabrics, sparking conversations about sustainability in entertainment.
Overall, the BET Awards 2024 proved that the ceremony isn’t just about American hip‑hop and R&B any more; it’s a platform where African, Asian, and Latin artists can shine side by side. Whether you’re into the awards, the performances, or the style, there’s something here to keep you talking until next year’s show.