By Nseobong Okon-Ekong
BET in Africa, part of Viacom International Media Networks Africa multimedia portfolio, has announced Academy Award-winning actor and Grammy award-winning musician, Jamie Foxx, as this year’s host for the BET Awards 2018 taking place at Microsoft Theater on Sunday, June 24.
Returning to the stage as host for the second time after nearly a decade, Foxx joins an A-List roster of comedians and entertainers who have lit the room, including Leslie Jones, Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Chris Rock, Mo’Nique, Kevin Hart and Chris Tucker. This year’s edition celebrates 18 years of dynamic performances, groundbreaking moments, the hottest talent in the game, and entertainment’s most thought-provoking players. Most importantly, the “BET Awards†continues to tackle culturally relevant topics and conversations, setting the standard for one of the most intently unconventional, news-provoking and talked-about broadcasts.
An award-winning actor, musical artist, and renowned comedian, Jamie Foxx is one of Hollywood’s rare elite multi-faceted performers. Getting his start on the comedy circuit, Foxx burst into the mainstream with, “In Living Color†and “The Jamie Foxx Show.†He most recently appeared in Edgar Wright’s critically acclaimed, “Baby Driver,†alongside Ansel Elgort, and currently executive produces and hosts interactive game show, “Beat Shazam,†now in its second season.
In November, Jamie will star in Lionsgate’s Robin Hood opposite Taron Egerton and Jamie Dornan. Foxx also recently wrapped production on his directorial debut, All-Star Weekend that he also wrote and stars in.
In a BET Awards first, the top nominees from Africa and Europe (as voted for by an academy of industry experts) will now compete for the Best International Act category, with the winner being honoured as part of the US broadcast.
Recognising the growing international appeal of African artists, five African artistes have been honoured in the BET Awards. Leading the transformed Best International Act Award category from Nigeria are Davido and Tiwa Savage, South African rapper Cassper Nyovest, Gqom evolutionists Distruction Boyz and Congolese star Fally Ipupa. Also included in the category are French performers Booba and Dadju and UK acts J Hus, Stefflon Don and Stormzy. The awards premiering across Africa on BET on Tuesday, June 26.
