Full Breakdown
Jamie Foxx Honors Keelani’s BET Triumph and Mentorship Legacy
7/1/2026, 12:41:49 AM
Award Night Highlight: Keelani Wins Best Female R&B/Pop Artist at the 2026 BET Awards
On February 8, 2026, Keelani received the BET Award for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist in Los Angeles. She performed “Folded” with Jamie Foxx on piano and his daughter Anelise Bishop on guitar. After the set, Foxx delivered a toast that was posted to Instagram.
Mentorship Roots: First Meeting and Ongoing Guidance
Keelani first met Foxx at age 13 when her band traveled to Los Angeles and were invited to his home, believing a record deal was imminent. Foxx recalled her “wide-open eyes” and offered informal mentorship for the next 18 years. Keelani later called him “family” and credited his support for her artistic growth.
Key Figures: Jamie Foxx, Keelani, and Anelise Bishop
Jamie Foxx, Academy-Award-winning actor and Grammy-winning singer, has a history of supporting emerging R&B talent. Keelani, a Grammy-nominated vocalist known for her soulful blend of pop and hip-hop, rose from mixtapes to mainstream acclaim. Anelise Bishop, Foxx’s daughter, is an emerging guitarist who joined the BET performance.
Timeline of Key Moments
- 2008 ?: 13-year-old Keelani visits Foxx’s home.
- 2008-2025: Ongoing mentorship; Keelani releases EPs and albums.
- Feb 8 2026: BET Award win; “Folded” performance; Foxx toast.
Data & Statistics
The 2026 ceremony recognized Keelani in the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist category. Her “Folded” set featured live piano and guitar. The mentorship spanned roughly 18 years.
Why It Matters
Foxx’s “dodged the wolves” comment underscores the systemic challenges Keelani has faced as a Black, queer female artist. Their joint performance, praised for preserving artistry and identity, illustrates how high-profile mentorship can amplify visibility and open doors for under-represented talent within the R&B genre.
Official Statements & Responses
Foxx praised Keelani’s talent and resilience, noting she “dodged the wolves” and became an “incredible artist,” while also saying, “We love you, we love your talent.” Keelani thanked him on Instagram, called him “family forever,” expressed appreciation for his lifelong guidance, and announced a new album for April 2026.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She was 13 years old at my house. Nothing but her eyes wide open and wanted to share her talents,” — Jamie Foxx, Actor and Singer
- “She dodged the wolves, became what she is right now. An incredible artist that we all marvel at. We want to take time to say that we love you, we love your talent, we're glad that you are here. We're glad that you survived the wolves, and because of that, that's what's gonna make it even better.” — Jamie Foxx
- “We’re glad that you survived the wolves.” — Jamie Foxx
- “We got invited to Jamie’s house and we were fully convinced we were getting signed.” — Keelani, Singer
What’s Next
Keelani’s upcoming album is slated for April 2026. Foxx hinted at future collaborations that could feature his daughter Anelise.
