By Dickson Bandera
Outspoken investigative journalist and award-winning documentary filmmaker Hopewell Chin’ono has come to the defense of Zimbabwean socialite Madam Boss—born Tyra Chikocho—following her appearance at the prestigious Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards in the United States.
Madam Boss was specially invited to attend the event, a celebration of Black excellence, in recognition of her growing social influence and ability to represent Zimbabwe on global platforms.
This year’s BET Awards, hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, were a glittering affair, featuring electric performances from artists like Lil Wayne and Teyana Taylor. Veteran entertainers Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, gospel star Kirk Franklin, and hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg received honorary awards for their contributions to the industry.
Rapper Kendrick Lamar emerged as the night’s biggest winner, scooping four major awards, including Album of the Year for GNX, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for the viral smash “Not Like Us,” and Best Collaboration with SZA for their soul-stirring track “Luther.” Lamar also shared the Video Director of the Year award with his longtime creative partner, Dave Free.
Since arriving in the U.S., Madam Boss has kept her followers updated through social media, sharing pictures with various international celebrities. However, her presence at such a high-profile event sparked mixed reactions online, with some critics accusing her of flaunting an achievement they deemed unworthy of celebration.
Chin’ono, known for weighing in on trending issues, responded strongly to the backlash. He defended Madam Boss, who now boasts millions of followers across platforms, for her work ethic and authenticity.
“I’m not into socialites or their lifestyle, but I respect their hustle because they do not steal from anyone, they work for their cash.”
“This woman called Madam Boss is the top socialite in Zimbabwe. You might hate her or love her, but that is the reality.”
“Attacking her for doing what socialites do is not only daft, it also reveals a streak of jealousy, envy, and hate. You can critique her, but attacking her is nothing more than pure jealousy,” said Chin’ono.
“It is a Zimbabwean disease that, unfortunately, we have all suffered from—this obsession with tearing down others. Nobody forces you to follow her or any other socialites. You can disagree without tearing each other up. It is backward and evil to do so!”
“If you do not like someone, simply do not follow them on their social media pages.”
“To Madam Boss, keep doing what you do, because you are very good at it,” he added.
Chin’ono, affectionately known as Daddy Hope, had stern words for those fueling negativity, urging them to reflect on their own accomplishments instead.
“To the haters: keep feeling the pain, or focus on your own growth. Are you good at what you do? When your profession is mentioned, are you held in awe and high regard? Those are the things you should focus on,” he said.
He described the behavior of the critics as “nothing short of witchcraft,” attributing the animosity to Madam Boss’s success.
“HEAL!!! It is unbelievable that adults would sit and spend days attacking someone for appearing at the biggest show on earth for Black music and art. Why, why, why this hate? My people are broken—many of them need psychological help!”
“Please post more pictures of yourself in America, Madam Boss. I am happy for you. You came from the dust, and now you are mixing with Hollywood royalty—zvinovengwa nevaroyi chete izvi!” exclaimed Chin’ono.
2025 BET Awards: Major Winners
This year’s BET Awards honored excellence across music, film, television, and sports:
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist – SZA
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – Chris Brown
Best Group – Future & Metro Boomin
Best Collaboration – “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Best Male Hip Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar
Best Female Hip Hop Artist – Doechii
Video of the Year – “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
Video Director of the Year – Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Best New Artist – Leon Thomas
Album of the Year – GNX – Kendrick Lamar
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – “Rain Down on Me” – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
Best Actress – Cynthia Erivo
Best Actor – Denzel Washington
Best Movie – Luther: Never Too Much
YoungStars Award – Blue Ivy Carter
Sportswoman of the Year – Angel Reese (Basketball)
Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Hurts (Football)
BET Her Award – “Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker
Best International Act – Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Best New International Act – TXC (South Africa)
Special Mention – Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
A Trailblazer from Zimbabwe
In 2021, Madam Boss was named the African Social Star at the E! People’s Choice Awards, becoming the first Zimbabwean comedian to earn such international recognition.
Born in Harare, she began her entertainment career as a gospel singer before pivoting to comedy, where her skits quickly went viral. She made history as the first Zimbabwean comedian to surpass one million Facebook followers, and is fast approaching a similar milestone on Instagram.
Her acting career is also on the rise, with notable roles in the Nollywood series The Offspring and the South African telenovela uBettina Wethu on SABC1.
