Sho Madjozi scoops BET nomination after ‘John Cena’ hit

South African rapper Sho Madjozi has once again been nominated for a BET Award. In 2020 the singer whose John Cena went viral is stepping it up with a nomination for Best International Act at the American entertainment awards ceremony.

Zimbabwe-born and South African based songstress Sha Sha, real name Charmaine Shamiso Mpambiro, has also scored her first BET nomination for Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act.

South Africans took to social media streets to congratulate the two for their nominations.

Maya Cristinah Wegerif, popularly known as Sho Madjozi, made history when she became the first female South African to win a BET Award in June 2019 at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, United States (US).

She walked away with the Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act.

Internet sensation

The Huku hitmaker became an internet sensation earlier in 2020 for a freestyle rap about her favourite WWE star John Cena.

The freestyle on the wrestling star featured a combo of African languages and became a hit not only in South Africa but across the continent. In fact, the rest of the world joined the #JohnCenaChallenge and Madjozi has since headed into the studio and recorded the song.

The song was so successful she scored an invite to the Kelly Clarkson show in the US to perform it  and met her hero, John Cena, in person.

The Xitsonga rap queen may be the only female in the category she’s nominated for but she’s not the only woman representing the African continent at the BET Awards – which is where Sha Sha comes into the picture.

Sha Sha also cracks a nomination

Sha Sha has lent her voice to many Amapiano songs, especially those by Scorpion Kings duo, DJ Maphorisa  and Kabza de Small, who have released many chart topping hits.

Sha Sha surfaced on the South African music scene in 2019 when she released her debut EP titled Blossom with Afrosoul and Amapiano songs. Mlindo The Vocalist and Samthing Soweto have also featured her on their songs, amongst others.

The 25-year-old singer was grateful for the nomination as best new international act.

“I’m out of words, I did not see this one coming. Honestly, I’m just grateful, thankful, excited, numb, just a when lot of emotions. The mere fact that I’m nominated man! This is amazing,” Sha Sha said.

“I need you all more than ever to bring this home,” she said, urging her fans to vote for her.

For the Best New International Act, fans can vote on Instagram by following @bet_intl and then liking the picture of their favourite nominee. You can also visit the BET website to vote.

• Voting is open until 19 June 17:00 Central African Time. The awards will air on 29 June 2020 at 02:00, Central African Time, on DSTV Channel 129.