Wizkid and Tems up for Soul Train Awards

Marking its golden jubilee this year, the Soul Train Music Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in African-American culture, including soul music, contemporary R&B, gospel, jazz and hip hop.

The ‘Essence’ hitmakers were shortlisted in multiple categories for the global hit, including Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Collaboration and The Ashford And Simpson Songwriter’s Award categories. 

Wizkid, who has been previously nominated at the awards, is up for Album of the Year for Made In Lagos, while Tems is competing for the Best New Artist award.

R&B singer H.E.R. leads this year’s nominations with eight nods, followed by Jazmine Sullivan and Chris Brown with six apiece. 

Ahead of the awards ceremony, event organisers BET have announced that singer-songwriter and producer Maxwell will receive the Legend award and R&B singer Ashanti will get the Lady of Soul trophy.

“It’s an honour to be presented with the Legend award by a community that’s been growing with me throughout my career,” Maxwell said. “I’m so grateful to be sharing this moment with everyone and returning to the Apollo for an evening of excellence.”

Ashanti said: “I’m honoured to be recognized as this year’s 'Lady of Soul' honoree. 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."

Below is the full list of nominees:

Best New Artist

• Blxst
• Capella Grey
• Morray
• Tems
• Tone Stith
• Yung Bleu

Certified Soul Award

• Anthony Hamilton
• Ashanti
• Charlie Wilson
• Isley Brothers
• Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
• T-Pain

Best R&B/Soul Female Artist

• Alicia Keys
• Doja Cat
• H.E.R.
• Jazmine Sullivan
• Jhene Aiko
• Sza

Best R&B/Soul Male Artist

• Blxst
• Chris Brown
• Giveon
• Lucky Daye
• Tank
• Usher

Best Gospel/Inspirational Award

• Brian Courtney Wilson
• James Fortune
• Kelly Price
• Kirk Franklin
• Maverick City Music
• Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Song of the Year

• ‘Chosen’ by Blxst ft. Ty Dolla $Ign & Tyga 
• ‘Leave The Door Open’ by Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic 
• ‘Damage’ by H.E.R. 
• ‘Pick Up Your Feelings’ by Jazmine Sullivan 
• ‘Essence’ by Wizkid ft. Tems 
• ‘You’re Mines Still’ by Yung Bleu ft. Drake 

Album of the Year

• No Love Lost by Blxst  
• Planet Her by Doja Cat 
• When It’s All Said And Done… Take Time by Giveon 
• Back Of My Mind by H.E.R. 
• Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sullivan 
• Made In Lagos by Wizkid 

The Ashford And Simpson Songwriter’s Award

• Can’t Let It Show – Written By: Kate Bush, Durrell Babbs 
• Come Thru – Written By: Carl Mccormick, Chris Brown, H.E.R., Kelvin Wooten, Michael L. Williams Ii, Tiara Thomas 
• Damage – Written By: Anthony Clemons Jr., Carl Mccormick, H.E.R., James Harris, Jeff Gitelman, Terry Lewis, Tiara Thomas 
• Essence – Written By: Ayodeji “Wizkid” Ibrahim Balogun, Oniko Eddie Uzezi, Oniko Evawero, Richard Isong, Temilade “Tems” Openiyi
• Leave The Door Open – Written By: Bruno Mars, Brandon Anderson, Dernst Emile Ii, Christopher Brody Brown
• Pick Up Your Feelings – Written By: Blue June, Chi, Audra Mae Butts, Jazmine Sullivan, Kyle Coleman, Michael Holmes 

Best Dance Performance

• Chloe X Halle – Ungodly Hour
• Chris Brown, Young Thug – City Girls
• Lizzo Feat. Cardi B – Rumors
• Normani Feat. Cardi B – Wild Side
• Usher – Bad Habits

Best Collaboration

• ‘Go Crazy (Remix)’ by Chris Brown ft. Young Thug, Future, Lil Durk, Latto 
• ‘Kiss Me More’ by Doja Cat ft. SZA 
• ‘Come Through’ by H.E.R. ft. Chris Brown 
• ‘Girl Like Me’ by Jazmine Sullivan ft. H.E.R.  
• ‘Essence’ by Wizkid ft. Tems  
• ‘You’re Mines Still’ by Yung Bleu ft. Drake

Video of The Year

• ‘Leave The Door Open’ by Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic 
• ‘Go Crazy (Remix)’ by Chris Brown, Young Thug Feat. Young Thug, Future, Lil Durk, Latto  
• ‘Damage’ by H.E.R. 
• ‘Pick Up Your Feelings’ by Jazmine Sullivan 
• ‘Wild Side’ by Normani ft. Cardi B  
• ‘Essence’ by Wizkid ft. Tems