WIZKID, SARKODIE SHARE HONOURS AT BET AWARDS

Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie and Nigeria'sWizkid shone at the BET Awards12in Los Angeles on Sunday night. The pair shared the prize for Best International Act (Africa)at the glittering awards ceremony, which recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in 20 different categories.

Sarkodie and Wizkid beat competitors Ice Prince (Nigeria), Camp Mulla (Kenya), Mokobe (Mali) and Lira (South Africa) at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, to take home the prestigious "shooting star" trophy, won last year by Nigerian superstars 2Face and D'Banj.

The big winners of the evening included Kanye West,Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Chris Brownwho each took home two awards.  While Jay-Z beat his missus in the Best Video category, Beyoncé did take home the trophy for Best Female and Video Director of the Year (together with Alan Ferguson).  Nicki Minaj won Best Female Hip Hop Artist for the third year in a row.

Video Of The Year: The Throne (Jay Z & Kanye West Featuring Otis Redding) "Otis"

Video Director Of The Year:Beyonce& Alan Ferguson

Best Female Artist:Beyonce

Best Male Artist: Chris Brown

Best Group: The Throne (Jay Z & Kanye West)

Best Collaboration: Wale Featuring Miguel "Lotus Flower"

Best Hip Hop Artist: Drake

Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj

Best New Artist: Big Sean

Best Gospel Artist: Yolanda Adams

Best Actress: Viola Davis

Best Actor: Kevin Hart

Youngstars Award: Diggy

Best Movie: "The Help"

Viewer's Choice: Mindless Behavior

Centric Award: Common

Best International Act: Africa: Sarkodie (Ghana) & Wizkid (Nigeria)

Best International Act / UK: Wretch 32

Subway Sportswoman Of The Year: Serena Williams

Subway Sportsman Of The Year: Kevin Durant

AOL Fandemonium Award: Chris Brown

During the show, BET also honoured the achievements of Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly(Cadillac Lifetime Achievement Award) and Reverend Dr. Al Sharpton (The Humanitarian Award).

Performers at BET Awards 12includedYolanda Adams, D'Angelo, Usher, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Wale, Meek Mill, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, and G.O.O.D. Music.  Chaka Khan, Monica and Brandy all performed moving tributes to Whitney Houston before Houston's mother Cissy Houston reduced the audience and herself to tears by performing "Bridge Over Troubled Water" in front of a large graphic of her and her daughter.

Among the celebrity presenters at the BET AWARDS 12 were Jamie Foxx, Quentin Tarantino, Tyler Perry, Laz Alonzo,Kevin Hart, Cedric the Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson, Meagan Good and superstar host, Samuel L. Jackson.

BET AWARDS 12 premieres on BET in Africa on Tuesday 3 July 2012 at 20:00 WAT/21:00 CAT.