BET Awards 2024: Usher To Be Honoured With Lifetime Achievement Award

Organisers of the BET Awards, an American award show established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate black entertainers and other minorities in music, film, sports and philanthropy has announced that Grammy award winning global entertainment icon Usher Raymond better known as Usher, will be honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement BET Award at this year’s awards ceremony.

The coveted awards, which are presented annually and broadcast live on BET, commemorates industry pioneers who have powerfully shifted culture and the entertainment industry, some of which are of more popular interest. The ceremony features performances by artistes.

The Lifetime Achievement BET Award recognises special achievements and distinguished public service, with previous recipients including Whitney Houston, Prince, Queen Latifah, Anita Baker, Mary J. Blige, Samuel Jackson, Lionel Richie, New Edition, and Busta Rhymes, among others.

Dubbed ‘Culture’s Biggest Night, the BET Awards 2024, will air LIVE on Monday, July 1 at 2:00am WAT/3:00am CAT on BET Africa DStv Channel 129 and GOtv Channel 21. According to BET, surprise guests who will take the stage to celebrate the American singer, songwriter, and dancer and his ever-growing musical legacy will be announced soon.

Commenting on choice of Usher for the Lifetime Achievement Award, BET EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, Connie Orlando said, “The relationship between BET and Usher spans decades, from his multiple appearances on 106 & Park, to most recently winning the Entertainer of the Year trophy at the 55th NAACP Image Awards.”

“From his chart-topping hits, electrifying performances, and unforgettable vocals to his signature moves and sound, Usher continues to stand on culture, setting new standards for the music industry and Black Excellence. We look forward to creating an amazing lineup to pay tribute to our global icon,” she added.

As one of the best-selling artistes in music history, with an illustrious three-decade career and over 80 million records sold worldwide, Usher’s impact in the music world is undeniable. His groundbreaking albums, including My Way and Confessions have shattered records and earned him numerous accolades, including eight Grammy Awards.

In 2024, Usher’s trailblazing journey continued with his headlining performance at the Apple Music halftime show for Super Bowl LVIII and the release of his highly anticipated ninth album, Coming Home, which marked his debut as an independent artiste.

His impact extends far beyond the realm of music. As the founding chairman of the New Look Foundation, the organisation has served over 55,000 youth around the world through education and mentorship.

Usher’s commitment to philanthropy and social activism has earned him widespread recognition, including the NAACP’s 2010 Ford Freedom Award Scholar and the prestigious Morehouse College Candle Award in 2014.

While Drake leads this year’s award nominations with an outstanding seven nods, African global stars, Tyla, Burna Boy, Tems, Ayra Starr, Focalistic, Davido, Lojay, Asake, Tyler ICU, Seyi Vibes, Ayo Edebiri, Damson Idris and more all received nominations across various music categories. This year’s nominees were selected by a voting academy of esteemed music industry insiders, performers, and presenters.

The BET Awards is the ultimate platform to showcase the best, brightest, and most beautiful aspects of the Black experience – honouring the present and future of Black music, creativity, and sportsmanship, by celebrating the culture and being a driving force for social change.

The award ceremony has remained the number one cable award show among all adults 18-49 for the last three consecutive years and the number one cable award show among Black adults 18-49 for the 22nd consecutive year (CY02-CY23).

Overseeing as this year’s award ceremony show for BET as Executive Producer is Connie Orlando, with Jamal Noisette, Senior Vice President (SVP), Tentpoles & Music Community Engagement to Co-Executive Produce, while Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company for the show, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as Executive Producers.

With a lineup of culture’s most influential artistes including Cardi B, Davido, Gunna, Sexyy Red, The Roots, Common, Queen Latifah, Jungle Brothers, and many more electrifying artistes, experts, and tastemakers, attendees will enjoy unforgettable live performances, comedy shows, culture-shifting conversations, immersive workshops, and much more.