The 2020 Soul Train Awards were full of Black Excellence. The pre-show warmed up the stage with some newcomers on the R & B/Soul scene, such as Skip Marley, Taina Major9, and more. The returning Black Girl Magic duo of Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold were eclectic hosts who set the foundation for an eventful show. The duo began the evening with a girl power medley to open the show. The pair showed their flair and talent range that started to the tune of “Unity” by Queen Latifah. The melanin magic was at an all-time high.

The Soul Train Awards featured amazing performances from:

• Brandy
• Jazmine Sullivan
• Cee Lo Green
• Charlie Wilson featuring Smokey Robinson
• Moses
• Ella Mai
• Lucky Daye featuring Babyface
• Snoh Aalegra; and
• Ella Nicole

(Certified Award Winner: Brandy)

(Performance by Ella Mai)

(Music Duet by Lucky Daye and Babyface)

(Performance by Jazmine Sullivan)

A soulful cypher was presented by the ear buzzing talents of:

• Shanice
• PJ Morton
• Chante’ Moore
• Stokely

The cypher was to the tune of Erykah Badu’s “Love of my Life”.  It portrayed the soulful range of the musical artists who are continuing to grace our ears.

(Soul Cypher (left to right):  Chante’ Moore, PJ Morton, Stokely and Shanice)

Some heavy hitters took home the gold by winning in their music categories:

• Best New Artist – Snoh Aalegra
• Soul Train Certified Award –Brandy
• Best R&B/Soul Male Artist – Chris Brown
• Best R&B/Soul Female Artist – H.E.R.
• Video of the Year – Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, Saint Jhn & Wizkid “Brown Skin Girl”
• Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – Kirk Franklin
• Album of the Year – Summer Walker “Over It”
• Rhythm & Bars Award – Megan thee Stallion “Savage”
• Song of the Year – Chris Brown & Young Thug “Go Crazy”
• The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award – “I Can’t Breathe,” Written by H.E.R.
• Best Dance Performance – Chris Brown & Young Thug “Go Crazy”
• Best Collaboration Performance – Chris Brown & Young Thug “Go Crazy”

The night ended with Monica taking home the iconic, Lady of Soul award and her soul-stirring performance of some of her mainstream hits.

(Lady of Soul Honoree, Monica)

The evening hosted DJ Cassidy as the MC and after party host of “Pass the Mic”.  Following the awards show, DJ Cassidy kept the party going with the 80’s “Pass the Mic” to reminisce on some old-school musical favorites.

(MC and “Pass the Mic” Host:  DJ Cassidy)

Overall the 2020 Soul Train Awards celebrated some great talents of music favorites from the past, present and future.  This night of Black Excellence was an honor to witness.  Congratulations to the nominees and honorees as their talent continues to shine bright to showcase that Black Lives Matter.

Writer, C. Scott, is a mother of one; author, social worker, early literacy interventionist and entrepreneur.  Follow her on social media as @curls_coils and @mysweettealife.