The BET Awards 2023 saw an unpleasant ending for Nigerian artists, when emerging singer Asake was denied the Best International New Act title, which was eventually won by Cameroonian vocalist Libianca.
While Nigerian sensation Burna Boy made history by winning Best International Act for the fourth time in a row, no other Nigerian musician was able to join him on the winner’s podium.
Libianca’s win in the Best International New Act category at the BET Awards 2023 sparked outrage on Nigerian social media sites, with many expressing their displeasure and labeling it “daylight robbery.”
Asake, a talented musician signed to the YBNL label, was one of the nominees for the prestigious award.
However fans and professionals in business are debating how he lost to Libianca.
Some thought that Asake’s defeat was due to his preference for singing in Yoruba, his indigenous language.
The controversy surrounding Libianca’s victory has brought to light the subjective character of awards and the different elements that are considered throughout the selection process.
While Asake’s followers claim that his music crosses language barriers and should not be disqualified, some believe that international recognition frequently favors artists who cater to a larger, more global audience.
The winner of this year’s Best International New Act award has generated a broader discussion about the impact of language and cultural diversity on award shows.
Netizens Reactions…
@___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.”
