South Africans shine on the BET Awards pink carpet

South Africans Uncle Waffles, Pabi Cooper and K.O came out empty-handed at Sunday evening's 23rd annual BET Awards in Los Angeles – but were winners on the pink carpet with their fabulous fashion.

Outside the Microsoft Theatre, a resplendent Uncle Waffles (Lungelihle Zwane) was a fashion favourite on the bright pink carpet. Wearing a silver cascading mermaid gown by Ryan Keys of Keys Fashion, featuring thousands of sequins, crystals and pearls, the amapiano DJ taking the US and Europe by storm expressed gratitude to her many fans.

“A lot of new opportunities, a lot of crazy opportunities – you know, when they come you just think ‘are you sure?’ because it’s so surreal,” Uncle Waffles told TimesLIVE.

“It feels like I’m living a dream – that I hope I never wake up from ... I’m touring for 200 days this year, can you believe I was in Paris last night?

“I’m so looking forward to seeing all the artists – and I think my dream artist would be Rihanna … Miss RiRi would sound amazing on amapiano.”

Both Uncle Waffles and K.O lost out to Burna Boy from Nigeria, who won the award for Best International Act.

K.O arrived on the pink carpet with an Asian-inspired black straw hat from an SA designer, paired with a black long-sleeved shirt and colourful patchwork pants. 

“I was just trying to play with different colour palettes, something that kind of speaks to the whole African vibe, and mix it up with a modern trend,” he told TimesLIVE. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing Busta Rhymes on stage, and his Lifetime Achievement Award — he never misses when performing so I know he’s gonna get the crowd going crazy. 

He added: “I wanna thank God who has brought me to this point, and I wanna thank the fans who have been absolutely amazing all these years. This is for all the kids out there who dream … make sure you dream as big as possible, ‘cause nothing on this Earth is impossible.”

TheViewer’s Choice: Best New International Act award went to Libianca of Cameroon, but fellow nominee Pabi Cooper was a winner on the pink carpet and one of the fan favourites.

Cooper, 22, wore a matching magenta bespoke gown with cut-out sheer panels and jewelled embellishments along with a cascading tulle train by SA-based Willett Designs Couture. 

“I called up my designer and said ‘I want drama’ – pink is my favourite colour and I’m usually simple, so I’m thrilled to wear this gorgeous gown today.”

She added: “No matter what, I want to make a big shout out to South Africa, to my team, to all the students and fans that voted for me, to everyone that supports me. You know, I love you guys and I’ve got you guys.”

Speaking to TimesLIVE ahead of the awards ceremony, Pabi said: “This is my first time to attend the BET Awards and I’m looking forward to meeting artists and creatives from all walks of life.

“My dream collaboration list is very long, but for now I would say it would be Burna Boy, Cardi B and Wizkid, to name but a few.”

The big winners on the night included:

• ALBUM OF THE YEAR (*TIE!): Renaissance - Beyoncé & SOS - SZA; 
• BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST: SZA;
• BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST (*TIE!): Chris Brown & Usher;
• BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT: Burna Boy (Nigeria); and
• VIEWER'S CHOICE: BEST NEW INTERNATIONAL ACT: Libianca (Cameroon).

For the full list of winners see here.

Additional reporting by Constance Gaanakgomo.

Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.