Image: COURTESY
South African singer Tyla was one of the big winners at this year's BET Awards, dubbed "culture's biggest night", as she was named Best New Artist and Best International Act.
"This is such a gift to be here. I want to dedicate this one to Africa," she said during her acceptance speech for Best New Artist, wearing a slinky black dress.
"I want to dedicate this one to all the African superstars before me. Africa to the world!"
She went on to give an electrifying performance of her hit song Jump featuring US rapper Gunna and Jamaican dancehall DJ Skillibeng.
Dancers wearing tiger print bodysuits - a nod to her fanbase she affectionately calls Tygers - opened her act, which also included a gigantic elephant statue and performers on stilts.
Image: COURTESY
The BET Awards is an American award show founded in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate and honour black and underrepresented people in the entertainment industry.
This year's ceremony was held at the Peacock Theatre in California.
Tyla was not the only South Africa winner, as Makhadzi a Limpopo-born artist, won the Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act.
"I started music from the streets and today I'm here. My dream just came true. I'm just speechless. This is the best birthday ever," she said.
She stunned in a fun pink ensemble for the red carpet.
Nigerian singer Tems won Best Gospel/Inspirational Award, beating Kirk Franklin and Little Mermaid actress Halle Bailey, with her song Me & U.
But she wasn't in attendance as she was performing at the UK's Glastonbury festival.
She was also nominated for Video Director of the Year, but didn't win.
Ayra Starr and Asake were also nominated for Best International Act but lost to Tyla.
Image: COURTESY
The winners in full
Album of the year - Michael by Killer Mike
Best female R&B/pop artist - SZA
Best male R&B/pop artist - Usher
Best group - Ye and Ty Dolla $ign
Best collaboration - All My Life by Lil Durk Feat. J. Cole
Best female hip-hop artist - Nicki Minaj
Best male hip-hop artist - Kendrick Lamar
Video of the year - On My Mama by Victoria Monét
Video director of the year - Cole Bennett
Best new artist - Tyla
Best gospel/inspirational award - Me & U by Tems
Viewer's choice award - Texas Hold ‘Em by Beyoncé
Best international act - Tyla (Africa)
Viewers' choice: best new international act - Makhadzi (Africa)
BET Her award - On My Mama by Victoria Monét
Best movie - Bob Marley: One Love
Best actor - Denzel Washington
Best actress - Regina King
YoungStars award - Blue Ivy Carter
Sportswoman of the year - Angel Reese
Sportsman of the year - Jalen Brunson
