Celebrated Master of Ceremony, Kwasi Kyei Darkwah (KKD) has chided music producer, Willi Roi over comments that African artistes are presented awards backstage during the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards.
Organisers of the scheme released list of nominees on Monday with Shatta Wale’s name conspicuously missing. After the artiste had downplayed the BET snub, Willi Roi posted on Facebook to rationalize the posture of the self-acclaimed dancehall king.
“Shatta wale is about making real money not back stage awards #BETSHAM. No confident act will accept awards back stage. Wake up gh”, his post read.
But KKD in response rubbished the claims and challenged Willio Roi to provide evidence.
“Willi, I know you to be a good artiste, producer and, more importantly, a good man. Name which artiste was presented with an award backstage and in which year. Post the pictures too if you have them. How many times have you been to the Awards? Stop being nasty via acting as though you are helping SW. He is doing great without you and will receive many awards in future because he is a fabulous act too. Let's speak ONLY TRUTH ALWAYS. And let's celebrate any one of us who is honoured. Lies serve no one well. What exactly is your worry? Stop taking the shine away from those who are being honoured. Let's create, not denigrate. Love always,” KKD’s comment read.
It can be recollected that Fuse ODG boycotted the 2015 BET Awards based on what he described as a total disrespect to African artists. He lost the award to fellow Ghanaian musician Stormzy in the Best International Act, UK category.
Dear @BET, the reason why I didn't come is because you give our awards backstage! You have no respect for our hard work and achievements
— Fuse ODG (@FuseODG) June 28, 2015
Meanwhile, arts and entertainment writer, Kwame Dadzie has also taken a swipe at Willi Roi over the same issue.
“You know I admire you so much. In fact, the day I got to know of your big achievements in the music industry, my admiration for you tripled. I don't know how old you are but I believe you are old enough to be nearing your 'retirement.'
Uncle, Inventor, Pioneer, Freedom Fighter, I fear the way you want to wrap up your contributions to the Ghanaian music industry before you go on pension could mar all the good work you have done in the past. Papa, please don't fester wounds. Your recent 'contributions' to the arts industry have been wishy-washy, smack of bitterness, mischief and pessimism. Sadly, you hardly give any concrete solutions to our problems.
Shatta Wale needs people like you to make him a better artiste but I am not sure the advice you proffer to him will make him what you want him to be. Would you have asked Shatta to decline his nomination if he had been nominated in the 'back stage' BET Awards? Oluu, please shed incense on the infant corn before you go on pension.
The BET Awards were established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate African Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year.
The 2017 edition of the Black Entertainment Television Awards is scheduled for the Microsoft Theatre on June 25, 2017.
