Less than a year after the devastating passing of neo-soul pioneer D’Angelo, the 2026 BET Awards paused to honor his towering musical legacy. While the star-studded stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles was filled with powerhouse vocalists, it was D’Angelo’s three children, Imani, Swayvo (born Michael Archer Jr.), and Morocco, who gave a beautifully raw introduction to the man behind the music.
D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, passed away in October 2025 at the age of 51 following a private battle with pancreatic cancer. Throughout his legendary career, he was celebrated as a reclusive genius, a multi-instrumentalist who would disappear for a decade only to return and completely reshape the direction of contemporary soul.
But when his children stepped up to the microphone on Sunday night to highlight his humanity.
D’Angelo’s children present tribute to their late father at the #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/0mmVF4SxG2
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) June 29, 2026
“To the world, he was D’Angelo. To us, he was just Dad,” Imani Archer shared.
Her brother Morocco echoed the sentiment, remembering his father as their “biggest hype man and protector”. “One of the things that brought our father the most joy was performing with his band, The Vanguard,” he added.
Swayvo took the final mic, inviting the audience to join them in celebration. “So, it’s only right that they’re here with us along with some other special guests to honor the man who meant the whole world to us,” he said. “So, Pops, this one’s for you. Let’s do it!”
With D’Angelo’s legendary backing band, The Vanguard, taking their places, a multi-generational roster of soul, funk, and R&B royalty stepped forward to take the audience on a journey through his boundary-pushing catalog.
The live performance kicked off with the heavy, syncopated, pocket-perfect bounce of Chicken Grease. The momentum shifted effortlessly into an exhibition of raw energy as the stage erupted with St, Dn, Motherfker.
To anchor the dark, bass-heavy, and socially conscious groove of “Devil’s Pie,” the legendary George Clinton brought his trademark funk wisdom to the stage. To close the tribute, Ari Lennox, RAYE, Durand Bernarr, and BJ the Chicago Kid united to deliver a breathtaking, soaring rendition of Untitled (How Does It Feel).
