SARKODIE CATCHES BET AWARDS EYE AS NEW DISCOVERY

The list of official nominees has been released for the upcoming 2012 BET Awards, including the recently added category Best International Act: Africa, which will spotlight some of Africa’s biggest names including Sarkodie (Ghana), Lira (South Africa), Camp Mulla (Kenya), Ice Prince (Nigeria), Mokobe (Mali) and Wizkid (Nigeria). 

Making the Best Gospel category are Yolanda Adams, Kim Burrell, James Fortune & FIYA, Fred Hammond and Trin-I-Tee 5:7. Surprisingly missing are Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Mary Mary and VaShawn Mitchell. 

The Avengers star Samuel L. Jackson is set to host the July 1 awards ceremony, to be held at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium.” We are massively excited about having Sam Jackson, the world’s biggest box office star, host The BET Awards 12,”Stephen G. Hill, president of music programming and specials, BET Networks, said in a statement to the press. “His wit, presence and gigantic personality are the perfect match for our show.” Nicki Minaj and Chris Brownare slated to perform at the awards show. The Cadillac Lifetime Achievement honor will go to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. 

Last year’s awards show drew 7.7 million viewers on BET. It was also the first time that BET recognized talent from Africa in their newly carved out category Best International Act: Africa. 

The Nominees Are: 

Best Gospel
Yolanda Adams
Kim Burrell
James Fortune & FIYA
Fred Hammond
Trin-I-Tee 5:7 

Best International Act: Africa
Camp Mulla (Kenya)
Ice Prince (Nigeria)
Lira (South Africa)
Mokobe (Mali)
Sarkodie (Ghana)
Wizkid (Nigeria)

Best Female R&B Artist
Marsha Ambrosius
Beyoncé
Mary J. Blige
Melanie Fiona
Rihanna

Best Male R&B Artist
Chris Brown
Bruno Mars
Miguel
Trey Songz
Usher

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
Big Sean
Drake
J. Cole
Lil Wayne
Rick Ross
Young Jeezy

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Nicki Minaj
Diamond
Trina
Brianna Perry

Best Group
Bad Meets Evil
Diddy-Dirty Money
Maybach Music Group
Mindless Behavior
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)

Best New Artist
A$AP Rocky
Big Sean
Diggy
Future
Meek Mill

Best Collaboration
Beyoncé ft./ J. Cole – “Party””
Big Sean ft./ Kanye West & Roscoe Dash – “Marvin & Chardonnay”
DJ Khaled ft./ Drake, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne – “I’m On One”
Drake ft./ Lil Wayne and Tyga – “The Motto”
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) ft./ Otis Redding – “Otis”
Wale ft./ Miguel – “Lotus Flower Bomb”

Video of the Year
Beyoncé – “Countdown”
Beyoncé – “Love on Top”
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – “Ni**as in Paris”
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – “Otis”
Usher – “Climax” 

Video Director of the Year
Beyoncé and Alan Ferguson
Benny Boom
Chris Brown and Godfrey Tabarez
Kanye West
Hype Williams

Young Stars Award
Astro
Diggy
Jacob Latimore
Keke Palmer
Willow Smith

Viewers’ Choice Award
Drake ft./ Lil Wayne & Tyga – “The Motto”
Beyoncé – “Love on Top”
Chris Brown – “Turn Up the Music”
Mindless Behavior – “Hello”
The Throne ft./ Otis Redding – “Otis”
Wale ft./ Miguel – “Lotus Flower Bomb” 

Centric Award
Common
Estelle
Robert Glasper
Robin Thicke
Tyrese

Best International Act: U.K.
Estelle
Labrinth
Emeli Sande
Sway
Wretch 32

Best Actress
Angela Bassett
Viola Davis
Taraji P. Henson
Regina King
Zoe Saldana 

Best Actor
Don Cheadle
Common
Idris Elba
Kevin Hart
Denzel Washington

Best Movie
Good Deeds
Jumping the Broom
Laugh at My Pain
Red Tails
The Help

Sportswoman of the Year
Skylar Diggins
Candace Parker
Brittney Griner
Serena Williams
Venus Williams

Sportsman of the Year
Carmelo Anthony
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
Victor Cruz
Kevin Durant

Published: May 24, 2012 By Kris Patrick