Nigerian rap legend Ice Prince has sparked a fresh conversation about African music history by asserting his position as the first African artist to receive a BET award on the main stage, challenging a widely held belief that credits Davido with the historic moment. The revelation came during a recent episode of the ‘Listening’ podcast, where Ice Prince sought to set the record straight about his groundbreaking 2013 Best International Act, Africa Award acceptance.
The clarification addresses a significant milestone in African music’s global recognition, as BET Awards traditionally presented African artists with their accolades backstage rather than during the main ceremony. This practice had long been a point of contention within the African music community, seen as symbolizing a hierarchical approach to international artist recognition.
I am the first African artiste to go on a BET stage and receive an award solo… When you guys talk about it, you guys give that credit to Davido,” Ice Prince stated, addressing the historical inaccuracy that has persisted in public discourse. The confusion likely stems from the high-profile nature of Davido’s 2018 acceptance speech, which garnered significant attention for its call to bridge the gap between American and African music industries.
The misattribution of this pioneering moment highlights a broader issue in documenting African music history, where significant achievements can sometimes be overshadowed or misattributed due to the rapidly evolving nature of the industry and the increasing global prominence of African artists in recent years.
Davido’s 2018 BET Awards appearance remains noteworthy for its impact, particularly his compelling speech advocating for increased collaboration between US and African musicians. However, Ice Prince’s clarification serves as a reminder of the importance of accurately preserving the timeline of African music’s international recognition and growth.
This revelation comes at a time when African music, particularly Afrobeats, continues to gain unprecedented global recognition. The journey from backstage acknowledgment to main stage celebration at international awards ceremonies represents a significant shift in how African music is perceived and celebrated on the global stage.
The distinction between backstage and main stage award presentations at the BET Awards carried deep significance for African artists. The transition from backstage presentation to main stage recognition symbolized a broader acceptance and validation of African music in the global entertainment industry. Ice Prince’s achievement in 2013 effectively broke down this barrier, paving the way for future African artists to receive their due recognition on the main stage.
This clarification from Ice Prince also speaks to the larger narrative of African music’s international journey. As the continent’s music industry continues to expand globally, accurate documentation of its pioneering moments becomes increasingly important for preserving cultural history and acknowledging the trailblazers who opened doors for others.
The discussion around this historical moment extends beyond mere chronological accuracy. It highlights the evolution of African music’s international recognition and the changing dynamics of global music awards. What was once considered exceptional – an African artist receiving an award on the main stage – has now become a regular occurrence, demonstrating the significant progress made in recognizing African musical talent.
Ice Prince’s clarification serves not to diminish Davido’s achievements but rather to ensure accurate recognition of each artist’s contributions to advancing African music’s global presence. Both artists have played crucial roles in different eras of African music’s international journey, with Ice Prince’s 2013 breakthrough creating a foundation for future achievements like Davido’s impactful 2018 speech.
As African music continues to dominate global charts and influence international music trends, understanding and accurately documenting these milestone moments becomes increasingly crucial for future generations. Ice Prince’s revelation contributes to a more complete and accurate historical record of African music’s journey to global recognition.
