Black Sherif shines at 2023 BET Hip-Hop awards as Burna Boy misses out

The 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards took center stage at Atlanta’s Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on October 3, 2023, and results left Grammy-winning Nigerian artist, Burna Boy, empty-handed as he lost all seven nominations. The winners were broadcast during the awards ceremony on October 10, 2023.

Despite his multiple nominations, Burna Boy faced strong competition in each category. Kendrick Lamar secured the Hip Hop Artist of the Year, Lyricist of the Year, and Best Live Performer of the Year awards, leaving Burna Boy empty-handed in these categories.

Burna Boy also missed out on the title of Hustler of the Year, which was awarded to 50 Cent. In the Best Collaboration of the Year category, Burna Boy’s ‘Sittin’ On Top Of The World’ featuring 21 Savage lost to Lil Durk and J. Cole’s ‘All My Life.’

The artist faced further disappointments with losses in the Best Hip Hop Video category, where ‘Sittin’ On Top Of The World’ was defeated by Lil Uzi Vert’s ‘Just Wanna Rock,’ and the Song of the Year category, which was won by the same song.

Amid Burna Boy’s losses, there was a ray of hope for African music at the awards ceremony. Ghanaian talent Black Sherif took home the Best International Flow award. He triumphed over South Africa’s late AKA and K.O, France’s Gazo and Ninho, as well as UK artists J Hus and Central Cee, among others. Black Sherif’s victory showcased the global appeal and recognition of African talent in the hip-hop genre.