South Africa’s sporting heroes led the field, scoring honours for both Caster Semenya and Wayde van Niekerk. The creative arts also scored high as director Thabang Moleya and novelist, poet and playwright Zakes Mda were recognised by BET, along with actress Terry Pheto and TV/film producers Shona & Connie Ferguson, who made the list as Game Changers (TV/Film).

Internationally renowned fashion designer David Tlale was named A-List Style Icon while hip hop star Riky Rick won points for his stand-out style as the BET A-List’s Most Stylish Musician. Publisher and businesswoman Khanyi Dhlomo was pronounced BET A-List Entrepreneur while DJ Sbu was recognised for his philanthropic efforts. TV favourites Bonang Matheba and Somizi Mhlongo took home the titles for BET A-List Radio and TV Personality, while hilarious trio Nicholas, Jason and Donovan Goliath were named BET A-Listers in the field of comedy.

Contemporary musicians continued to dominate the BET A-list, with legendary DJ and producer Black Coffee named BET A-List DJ, while AKA was crowned BET A-List Social Media Star. Last but by no means least, Cassper Nyovest was decreed BET A-List Game Changer (Music) while Nasty C was dubbed BET A-List Rising Star.

The BET A-List 2016

  • BET A-List Radio & TV personality (Female): Bonang Matheba;
  • BET A-List Radio & TV personality (Male): Somizi Mhlongo;
  • BET A-List Actress: Terry Pheto;
  • BET A-List Director: Thabang Moleya;
  • BET A-List Writer: Zakes Mda;
  • BET A-List Game Changers (TV/Film): Shona Ferguson & Connie Ferguson;
  • BET A-List Comedians: Nicholas Goliath, Donovan Goliath & Jason Goliath;
  • BET A-List DJ: Black Coffee;
  • BET A-List Game Changer (Music): Cassper Nyovest;
  • BET A-List Rising Star: Nasty C;
  • BET A-List Most Stylish Musician: Riky Rick;
  • BET A-List Style icon: David Tlale;
  • BET A-List Social Media Star: AKA;
  • BET A-List Sportswoman: Caster Semenya;
  • BET A-List Sportsman: Wayde van Niekerk;
  • BET A-List Philanthropist: DJ Sbu; and
  • BET A-List Entrepreneur: Khanyi Dhlomo.

Commented Monde Twala, VP, BET, Youth & Music, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa; “We are excited to reveal our new flagship entertainment show BET A-List and to simultaneously highlight individuals and groups who we feel are in class of their own – men and women who are achieving above and beyond, flying the flag for SA beyond our borders, and helping to transform our culture, in many different fields. These are the people whose names are on everyone’s lips, who are wanted on every red carpet, and who you’ll find at the top of every guest list in the country.”

Covering achievers from sports to entrepreneurship, music, fashion, film, television, literature and more, the BET A-List was compiled and curated by BET’s in house programming and talent team, focusing on achievers who best exemplify contemporary achievement and who are making a huge impact in their personal field of endeavour.

To watch highlights of the event, including the awards presentations, tune into BET A-List on BET, channel 129 on DStv on Thursday ,15 September at 18:35.

For more information, visit www.betafrica.tv. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram using the #BETAList hashtag.