The 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards took a captivating turn as Sierra Leone’s illustrious musician, Benjamin Menelik George, popularly known by his stage name Drizilik, took center stage in this year’s cypher.

The award-winning artist shared the platform with an array of international talent, bringing a distinct African essence to the event.

Marking his entrance as the third performer in the cypher, Drizilik wowed the audience with verses rich in Sierra Leonean culture and pride. His lyrics, with lines such as “Diamond in the flesh, Salone in your face” and “Dis na Krio, no to pidgin nor mistake am,” resonated with fans and served as a bold testament to his Sierra Leonean heritage. Through his performance, Drizilik expressed an ardent wish for the world to appreciate and recognize Sierra Leone’s native “Krio” language.

Among the roster of talented artists sharing the cypher spotlight with Drizilik were Psycho YP, Veezo View, ASKIA, PHIDO, Bryan The Mensah, and Ko-Jo Cue. Each artist added their unique African flair to the session, delivering fiery performances that underscored the depth of talent emerging from the continent.

The BET Hip-Hop Awards, an annual event since its inauguration in 2006 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, celebrates the monumental contributions of hip-hop artists, producers, and video directors to the music industry. This year’s awards hold special significance as they mark the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, honoring exceptional black artists from around the globe.