Black Entertainment Television (BET) released the official nominations for the 2021 Soul Train Awards.
The award, which recognises the best in Soul and R&B, sees Nigerian stars, Wizkid and Tems, shining with five nominations each.
Wizkid and Tems are the third-highest with five nominations each, in categories: ‘Song of the year,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ ‘Ashford and Simpson’s Songwriter’s award,’ ‘BestCollaboration.’ They were closely followed by Blxst with four nominations. Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak, Silk Sonic, Doja Cat, and Yung Bleu each have three nominations.
Meanwhile, three-time Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter and producer, Maxwell, will receive the ‘Legend’ award while award-winning singer/songwriter, actor, entrepreneur and author, Ashanti, will be the recipient of the ‘Lady of Soul’ honour at the award show.
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Maxwell, while expressing his gratitude on his recognition for the award, said:
“It’s an honour to be presented with the Legend award by a community that’s been growing with me throughout my career.
“I’m so grateful to be sharing this moment with everyone and returning to the Apollo for an evening of excellence.”
On her part, Ashanti stated:
“I’m honoured to be recognised as this year’s ‘Lady of Soul’ honouree. This is a full-circle moment for me because I received the ‘Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the Year’ Award at the Lady of Soul Awards in 2002. As we commemorate 50 years of Soul Train, I’m proud to be a part of this legacy and to return to the Apollo to celebrate.”
Also, H.E.R. leads the 2021 “Soul Train Awards” nominations with an impressive eight nominations for ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award (x2),’ ‘Best Collaboration (x2),’ and ‘Video of the Year’.
Jazmine Sullivan and Chris Brown garnered the second most nominations with six nominations each. Jazmine Sullivan’s nominations include ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award,’ ‘Best Collaboration,’ and ‘Video of the Year’. Chris Brown’s nods include ‘Best R&B/Soul Male Artist,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award,’ ‘Best Dance Performance,’ ‘Best Collaboration (x2),’ and ‘Video of the Year’.
Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ViacomCBS Networks Africa, in a statement, said:
“Congratulations to all the nominees. We are proud to see diversity with African artists leading with nominations and are thrilled to celebrate the best in soul music at the iconic television show’s 50th anniversary. The “Soul Train Awards” continues to recognize the best in Soul, R&B and Hip Hop from both established industry legends and the next generation of promising artists.”
