The NAACP and BET announced GRAMMY®-nominated singing group New Edition will be inducted into the acclaimed NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame during the “55th NAACP Image Awards.” The Hall of Fame Award is bestowed on pioneers in their respective fields whose influence will shape the profession for generations to come.
Previous inductees include Eddie Murphy, Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Carlos Santana, Little Richard, Sidney Poitier, Earth Wind and Fire, and Aretha Franklin.
GRAMMY® award-winning musician, critically acclaimed Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning and Academy Award®-nominated actor and producer Queen Latifah (series star/executive producer of The Equalizer, CBS) will return to host the prestigious “55th NAACP Image Awards,” which will air live on Sunday, March 17 at 19:00 WAT on BET Africa via DStv channel 129 and GOtv channel 21.
It was also announced that legendary R&B singer and songwriter Maze frontman Frankie Beverly will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during the NAACP Image Awards Dinner, which will be held on March 14 in Los Angeles. The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to civil and human rights in addition to their contributions in the entertainment industry.
“It is our distinct honor to celebrate New Edition and Frankie Beverly—musical icons who have been instrumental in shaping our cultural landscape with their remarkable talent and enduring influence,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “We recognize the power of their artistry in showcasing the enduring power of black excellence in the arts.”
“New Edition and Frankie Beverly’s influence have laid the foundation for modern R&B, shaping the genre’s sonic landscape and resonance in numerous ways. From the acclaimed The New Edition Story on BET to our commemoration of Frankie Beverly at the BET Awards 2012, we are thrilled to celebrate these musical luminaries, whose melodies are intricately woven into the very fabric of our culture,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming, & Music Strategy at BET.
READ ALSO: BET AWARDS 2021: Meghan Stallion bags four awards, DMX, Queen Latifah honoured
Speaking on the host’s announcement, Senior Vice President of Paramount Africa and Peer Lead, BET International, Monde Twala, said, “We are pleased to have the incredibly talented Queen Latifah back as the host for the 55th NAACP Image Awards. Her return as host ensures that this prestigious event will continue to shine a spotlight on the richness of black excellence. The NAACP Image Awards hold a special significance for audiences across Africa, celebrating the exceptional achievements and contributions of black artists, entertainers, and leaders who have made an indelible impact on our society.”.
As one of the most successful male singing groups in R&B, New Edition has entertained audiences for more than 40 years. The group has sold a cumulative 30 million records worldwide. The group has also separately launched the breakout careers of many of the members, including Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, and Bell Biv DeVoe. In 2017, the group added executive producer credit to its resume when they released the ground-breaking, acclaimed biopic The New Edition Story. Premiering on the BET Networks, the 3-night mini-series was viewed by a record 29 million unique viewers. New Edition’s “The Culture Tour” was named the #1 R&B concert of 2022.
Trailblazing artist and prolific songwriter and vocalist Frankie Beverly has left an indelible mark on the world of music over his illustrious career spanning several decades. From his early days with Maze to his solo endeavors, Beverly’s distinctive voice and timeless compositions have garnered widespread acclaim, earning him a special place in the hearts of fans across the globe. Known for timeless hits such as “Golden Time of Day,” “Joy and Pain,” and the unofficial theme song for the summer that remains synonymous with black culture, “Before I Let Go,” Frankie Beverly’s influence extends beyond the stage and has made lasting contributions to the cultural landscape.
