Nigerian rapper Ice Prince has set the record straight regarding who first received a BET Award on stage among African artists. In a recent episode of the podcast ‘Listening’, the artist, known for his 2013 hit Aboki, claimed that he, not Davido, was the trailblazer.
Ice Prince, who won the Best International Act, Africa Award at the 2013 BET Awards, explained that he was the first African artist to break the long-standing tradition of awarding African acts backstage.
“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 said during the podcast.
For years, African artists were awarded backstage at the BET Awards, sparking criticism from fans and artists alike who felt this undermined the global impact of African music. Ice Prince claims his 2013 win on stage was a pivotal moment in changing this dynamic.
The Davido Debate
While Ice Prince made his statement, Davido’s own moment at the BET Awards in 2018 remains a standout memory for many fans. Davido won the Best International Act award that year and delivered a passionate acceptance speech calling for deeper collaborations between U.S. and African artists. His moment on stage resonated globally and was widely celebrated as a milestone for Afrobeats.
However, Ice Prince believes that his earlier achievement has been overshadowed by the narrative surrounding Davido’s win. “When you guys talk about it, don’t forget that I was there first,” he added.
A Changing Era for African Music
Both Ice Prince and Davido’s moments symbolize the growing recognition of African music on the global stage. What was once relegated to backstage awards has now taken center stage, highlighting the increasing influence of Afrobeats and other African genres in the international music industry.
Regardless of the debate, it is undeniable that both artists have contributed significantly to the global acceptance of African music. While Ice Prince may have been the first to step on the BET stage to receive his award, Davido’s 2018 acceptance speech marked another major moment in the ongoing evolution of African music on the world stage.
This revelation adds another layer to the history of African artists breaking barriers, showing the journey from being recognized backstage to commanding global attention at major award ceremonies. Both artists, in their unique ways, continue to shape the narrative of African music on the world map.
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