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Lagos is the largest black community [if not, one of the largest] which explains BET’s interest in the Nigeria audience. Some weeks ago, Nigerian music acts M.I. and P-Square were nominated for the BET awards that took place on 27th of June. The first edition of the award ceremony took place in 2001 – the award put established by the TV network celebrates the achievements of African Americans in music, sport and other fields of entertainment throughout the year.
Black Entertainment Television BET with an audience of 84 million provides TV entertainment that appeals to young black adults with an unapologetic viewpoint of the black experience with hit and award winning shows like 106 & PARK, TINY & TOYA, SUNDAY BEST, THE FAMILY CREWS, AMERICAN GANGSTER & THE MONIQUE SHOW and so much more geared specifically to Nigeria, with shows actually featuring Nigerians, such as SUNDAY BEST, a gospel singing competition, where our own Nigerian born Funmi Oduyemi has made it to the finals! Another such show is MUSIC MATTERS.
BET Networks announced its expansion into Africa in January 2009 and has captured the Nigerian audience. The experience is wow and akin to AFRICA MAGIC. See for yourself on DSTV channel 116.
“Expanding into Africa is an extremely important, exciting and rewarding move for us,” said Debra L. Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, BET Networks. “With our launch in Africa on both GTV and DStv, BET Networks is continuing to build on our commitment of providing high-quality content to international audiences and the homeland.”
“We’re so excited to establish a presence in Africa, as these key partnerships give us valuable scale in the region,” said Michael D. Armstrong, Senior Vice President and General Manager, BET International. “Africa makes great sense, and we’re confident that we’ll continue to grow and deliver content to viewers across the continent who are eager for the programming we offer.”
Some interesting series to catch on BET include:
Tiny & Toya
Fan favorite TINY & TOYA returns for a second season packed with drama, laughter and self-discovery. This season, Tameka “Tiny” Cottle and best friend Antonia “Toya” Carter continue to uplift their lives while balancing motherhood, family, fame and budding business empires of their own.
A journey familiar to many women, viewers will watch Tiny as she raises her children, expands her businesses and takes the next steps in helping her family deal with her father’s Alzheimer’s disease. For Toya, family remains at the center of her life. She continues to build a solid foundation for her spunky 11-year-old daughter, Reginae, and confronts her mother Anita with “tough love” while she continues to fight her war with drugs, all while entertaining a love life of her own.
The Family Crews
From former professional football player turned successful Hollywood actor, Terry Crews and his wife of 20 years, Rebecca to their five children and family dog Coffee, there is never a dull moment under the Crews’ roof. Thanks to their eclectic and ever-changing brood ranging in age from 22 to 3 years old, the popular actor remains grounded on a daily basis. Viewers will watch the Crews family grow, love, laugh and pray its way through a new chapter as Terry begins the process of transitioning from “Everybody Hates Chris” to becoming a bona fide action star. Meanwhile, Rebecca, who put her dreams on hold to support Terry and raise their family, begins to pursue those dreams more aggressively.
Sunday Best
BET’s hit singing competition, SUNDAY BEST, returns for a third season of higher praise and tougher competition. Hosted by gospel legend Kirk Franklin, the new season welcomes gospel recording artists Pastor Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams to the stellar team of judges including returning multi-award-winning siblings Erica and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary.
As if the U.S. talent pool wasn’t enough, SUNDAY BEST kicked off the 10-week competition by venturing to Lagos, Nigeria in West Africa for the first-ever international auditions.