Will Smith, renowned for his roles in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and blockbuster films, looks to perform a new original song at the upcoming 2024 BET Awards, Today reports. This announcement marks a significant return to his musical roots, as BET confirmed in a press release on June 24.

Smith, a four-time Grammy winner, initially gained fame as a rapper alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff before transitioning into acting with his iconic role in the '90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” His ability to seamlessly blend acting and music has been a hallmark of his career, with Smith even rapping the memorable theme song for the show.

Recently, Smith rekindled his musical endeavors with the release of “Light Em Up,” a collaboration with Sean Paul featured on the soundtrack of his latest film, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” This track marked his first solo release in nearly five years, following a guest appearance on Joyner Lucas’ “Will (Remix)” in 2020.

Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, praised Will Smith as a “global icon” and expressed excitement about his upcoming performance at the BET Awards. She highlighted Smith’s multifaceted career journey from his rap origins to becoming a Hollywood powerhouse.

A Night of Celebrations and Performances

The BET Awards, scheduled for June 30, will showcase a diverse lineup of performances, including GloRilla, Ice Spice, Latto, Ms. Lauryn Hill, YG Marley, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, Tyla, and Victoria Monét. The event will also honor Usher with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement BET Award.

Smith’s return to the music stage has been marked by notable appearances, including a surprise performance at Coachella where he joined J Balvin for a rendition of his 1997 hit “Men In Black,” a song synonymous with the movie franchise where Smith played the lead role.

In December, Smith participated in “A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop,” celebrating the genre alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff and other music legends. Reflecting on the experience, Will Smith shared his excitement about revisiting their iconic hip-hop era, describing it as a memorable and surreal moment.

While Smith has predominantly focused on acting in recent years, notably as Genie in Disney's live-action adaptation of “Aladdin,” his upcoming BET Awards performance underscores his enduring influence in both music and entertainment. With four Grammy wins to his credit, Smith continues to captivate audiences with his dynamic talents across various artistic platforms.

Fans and critics alike await Smith’s new musical offering at the BET Awards, anticipating another milestone moment in his storied career.