The BET Soul Train Awards aired Sunday Nov,. 28. This historic night took place in New York City in the heart of Harlem at the historic Apollo theater. This night of R&B and soul was complete with best friends and television icons, Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold hosting the night.
The Honorees
Firstly, lets have a look at the honorees of the evening.
Ashanti-“Lady of Soul”
The Lady of Soul Award is given to singers who have accomplished great success had great success in the industry. Some of the past winners include Monica, Brandy and Jill Scott among others. These winners showcase heart, essence, individuality, light, and the name in the game.
Normani presented Ashanti with the Lady of Soul Award. This award helps to commemorate her 20 years in the music industry. The first lady of the Murda Inc. music family took the music world by storm when her self titled debut was released. With hits like “Happy,” “Foolish,” and “Unfoolish,” she had the world singing their love woes loudly; and with soul. She openly admits her positive energy helps her to be a light to herself and others. She also gives it credit for shining in her music as well.
Maxwell- “Legend” Award
Maxwell has been a neo-soul pioneer for over 30 years. He gave us some of musics greatest soul hits including favorites like, “This Woman’s Work” from the Love & Basketball soundtrack. Maxwell gave R&B what it lacked, the genuine love between men and women.
“I remember having a journal. I always have a journal,” Maxwell says. “And I said, ‘God, if you give me this opportunity, I promise to stay true to the creative thing that made me love Marvin Gaye, made me love Al Green, made me love ‘Here, My Dear.’ ” he shared with WBUR.
Jazmine Sullivan took home the first award of the evening for Best R&B / Soul Female Artist and received another trophy for Album of the Year. With a beautiful speech to encourage women to love themselves, she illustrated her special win.
Normani won her first award for Best Dance Performance for “Wild Side” which features female hip hop artist, Cardi B.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF2V1Pajlz8
Yung Bleu celebrated his win for “Best New Artist.” His excitement shines as these honors are a long time coming for the artist.
Silk Sonic*Bruno Mars, Anderson, and Paak) took the win for “Song of the Year” and “Video of the Year” for “Leave The Door Open.” Although they were absent for the evening, the managed show stopping performances and award wins.
Giveon who blazed his own lane in soulful music, took “Album of the Year” for When It’s All Said and Done… Take Time. He also grabbed the win for “Best R&B/Soul Male Artist.
Wizkid snatched the win for “Best Collaboration,” with his song “Essence” which features Tems.
The “Certified Soul Award” went to Uncle Charlie Wilson.
Written by Antoinette Ford
