What Is 2017 Soul Train Music Awards

Overview

The 2017 Soul Train Music Awards celebrated excellence in African-American music, culture, and performance, marking its 31st annual edition. Airing on November 26, 2017, the ceremony was broadcast live on BET from The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, bringing together top artists across R&B, hip-hop, gospel, and soul genres.

Hosted by the iconic Erykah Badu, the show paid tribute to both rising stars and legendary figures in Black music. The event emphasized cultural legacy, artistic innovation, and community impact, continuing the Soul Train tradition that began in the 1970s.

• Lionel Richie received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long influence on soul, pop, and R&B music, spanning over 50 years in the industry.
• Bruno Mars was the night’s biggest winner, taking home four awards, including Artist of the Year, Best R&B/Soul Male Artist, and Album of the Year for 24K Magic.
• The ceremony featured a tribute to Chuck Berry, honoring the rock and roll pioneer who passed away in March 2017 at age 90.
• SZA won Best New Artist and Best R&B/Soul Female Artist, marking her breakout year with the critically acclaimed album Ctrl.
• Childish Gambino won Best Male R&B/Soul Artist and Song of the Year for the hit single "Redbone," which topped charts and influenced pop culture.

How It Works

The Soul Train Music Awards recognize outstanding contributions in Black music through fan and industry voting, with categories spanning performance, artistry, and cultural impact. Each award reflects a blend of popularity, critical acclaim, and genre influence.

• Artist of the Year: Awarded to the performer with the most significant cultural and commercial impact. Bruno Mars won in 2017 due to his chart-topping album and global tour success.
• Album of the Year: Given to the most influential full-length release. 24K Magic by Bruno Mars won, driven by its fusion of funk, soul, and modern R&B production.
• Best New Artist: Recognizes breakthrough talent. SZA won after her debut album Ctrl spent over 30 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart.
• Song of the Year: Based on airplay, sales, and cultural resonance. "Redbone" by Childish Gambino won, becoming a viral sensation and social media anthem.
• Best Gospel/Inspirational Award: Honors spiritual music excellence. Kirk Franklin won for "Make Me Do," a single from his 2016 album Losing My Religion.
• Best Dance Performance: Celebrates choreographic excellence. Janet Jackson received the award for her visually stunning State of the World Tour performances.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2017 Soul Train Awards stood out in several key categories when compared to previous years:

This comparison shows a shift toward funk and neo-soul influences in 2017, with Bruno Mars and SZA leading a resurgence of live instrumentation and vocal authenticity. Unlike the politically charged themes of 2016, the 2017 show emphasized musicality and performance artistry.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Soul Train Music Awards highlighted the enduring relevance of Black music in shaping global culture, from fashion to social movements. By honoring both legacy artists and emerging voices, the ceremony reinforced the genre’s evolution and cultural continuity.

• The awards helped elevate SZA to mainstream prominence, boosting her album Ctrl to double platinum status by early 2018.
• Lionel Richie’s Lifetime Achievement Award underscored the importance of honoring pioneers who paved the way for modern R&B and pop.
• The show’s broadcast on BET reached over 3.2 million viewers, demonstrating strong audience engagement with Black cultural programming.
• Childish Gambino’s win for "Redbone" reflected growing recognition of genre-blending artistry in mainstream awards circuits.
• The tribute to Chuck Berry celebrated rock’s African-American roots, educating younger audiences on music history.
• By showcasing live performances and choreography, the event emphasized the importance of stagecraft in modern music culture.

Ultimately, the 2017 Soul Train Music Awards served as both a celebration and a cultural barometer, reflecting the dynamic state of African-American music and its global influence.