Why Is BET Awards Messing with Africa? + Ice Prince Blunder

On June 30, Ice Prince emerged winner in the 'Best
African Act' category at the 2013 BET Awards, a
milestone achievement for the Chocolate City rapper,
becoming the first solo Nigerian recipient of the
prize.
As expected and just like past editions of the award,
the 'Best African Act' presentation was not aired live
on TV, in fact the presentation was not included in
the award show but held about an hour before; before
guests arrived, before the whole world could bask in
Mr Zamani's euphoria.
And many have spoken out in criticism, including the
respected DJ Jimmy JATT and Dencia. One can
understand the Grammys holding pre-award
presentations, because there are over 100 categories,
and only key parts can be slotted into the main show,
while others are restricted to a one-hour pre-award
presentation. But for BET, what's the point of airing
21 presentations and leaving out just one?
If BET wants to keep Africa in the dark when it
comes to awards shows in the US, why not setup a
'BET Africa Awards' and reward the continent's
hardworking artistes properly? At least that's what
their sister MTV did with the MTV Africa Music
Awards (MAMA) (which has not held since 2010).
The 'Best African Act' award was included for the
first time in 2011 and was surprisingly shared
between two artistes – D'banj and 2face Idibia.
Awards do get shared but when Sarkodie and Wizkid
shared it again in 2012, it wasn't a good look.
So we are happy Ice Prince was the sole recipient of
this year's award and how did he celebrate it? In the
modest of ways – the rapper when announced as the
winner, got on stage, paid a tribute to the likes of Fela
Anikulapo Kuti, Akon and then asked the other
nominees – Toya Delazy, Donald, R2Bees, Radio and
Weasel (2face was missing) to join him stage to share
the moment with him. Selfless act!
But at that same time, I feel Ice Prince committed a
very big blunder and the dumbest move in his career
so far (this even tops his baby daddy denial thingy in
2012) by wearing a jacket bearing the flag of the
United States of America! How could you Mr
Zamani? What were you thinking?! Where were your
crew members to slap patriotism back into you? You
could have very well sang 'The Star-Spangled Banner'
right there on stage! #Fail
This reminds me of the time Sir Shina Peters wore a
shirt bearing the USA flag in the video of the theme
song for the Nigeria '99 FIFA World Youth
Championship.