I wrote this open letter to BET in 2013—just before that year’s BET Awards and nothing has since changed.
Considering the fact that once again our various Africa stars were disrespected at last night’s award which led to the whole Fuse ODG’s tweet, I have decided to re-publish this letter…
The fact that we are still having the same conversation in 2015 means, BET does not really want us there or does not give a hoot about us—so we should simply not give a hoot too.
You don’t even have to be told that there should be some sort of boycott, it’s the only available option for those who respect their own works and achievements.
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Hello BET,
Africa is once again excited about the fact that you have decided to maintain our only slot in your numerous award categories—Best International Act (Africa).
Though we wish we had more than one category as we have far number of black people on our continent than America or Europe, we still think half a loaf is better than none.
I am not sure if the meaning of BET-Black Entertainment Television has changed yet. If it has not, won’t it be prudent to make sure you embrace the continent with the highest number of black people?
Oh no! I just remembered…You are a business and you are more interested in profit than anything else…
Since African-Americans ‘pose’ to have greater purchasing power than those of us down here in Africa, I guess you will continue to fill them up in all the categories—and just sprinkle us over things so to create that sort of disproportionate sense of balance…Right?
Anyway, what will happen if you give the only category you have assigned to us a stage presentation during this year’s award ceremony?