When I heard that Ayra Starr won the 2024 BET Award for Best International Act, I was proud. Another Nigerian woman taking the world stage and being recognized for her talent — it was a moment of celebration for music lovers across Africa.
But then I found out she received the award backstage.
No stage appearance.
No televised announcement.
Just a quiet post on social media — as if it didn’t matter enough to be seen by the world.
And I have to ask: Why?
Let’s get this straight: Ayra Starr is not the first Nigerian female artist to win this award — Tems made history with her win in 2022, and that moment was rightfully celebrated on stage. So why the change now? Why was Ayra’s win handled so quietly?
This wasn’t a minor category. Best International Act is one of the few categories that gives global Black talent the spotlight. It’s where the world is supposed to recognize African excellence. So why wasn’t Ayra given that spotlight?
BET — Black Entertainment Television — has a responsibility to celebrate Black talent globally, not just within American borders. When international artists win, they deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated like their counterparts from the U.S.
By giving Ayra Starr her award backstage and not allowing her the moment she earned, BET sent a message — whether intentional or not — that some Black voices are still seen as less worthy of recognition.
This is bigger than Ayra.
It’s about how African excellence is handled in global spaces.
It’s about making sure that young girls across Africa can see someone who looks like them being honored in full view — not behind closed doors.
Ayra Starr deserved her moment on stage.
And we deserve better than silence.
Click here to see a more detailed video on this topic: Ayra Starr BET Saga
