A former Director of Programming at Black Entertainment Television (BET) International, Lilian Blankson has reportedly passed away.

News of the Ghanaian-American author and content creator’s demise broke on Sunday, July 4, 2021. The cause of her death is however unknown.

Lilian Blankson has been celebrated for her pivotal role in the inclusion of the Best International Act category into the BET awards scheme.

The creation of that category encouraged the inclusion of many African musicians into the scheme and years down the line many artistes including Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid and others have won the award.

Many celebrities took to Twitter to pay tribute to Lilian Blankson.

Hmmm @lilianblankson did so much to put Africans on, so many times she’d message me about several opportunities.

Sorry for your loss @IAmWONDABOY she spoke so highly of you and wanted you to win so bad.

May we never forget her contributions to our industry.

— miss forson (@lydiaforson) July 4, 2021

I still can't come to terms with your passing @lilianblankson what a great gate keeper you have been for the likes of @sarkodie @iamedem @ReggieRockstone and so many more @IAmWONDABOY take heart. This is heavy on us all Rest Well Queen pic.twitter.com/GiS3s21Wje

— Kwame Frimpong (@kwamefrimponggh) July 4, 2021

RIP Mama Lily @lilianblankson Yedaase

— Sarkodie (@sarkodie) July 5, 2021

Dear @lilianblankson You did so much for Ghana and the Continent #Musically...Rest in Peace and thanks for Opening all those BET doors for us #RESTWELL

— Ayigbe Edem (@iamedem) July 4, 2021

I'm gutted at the passing of @lilianblankson You put in so much work for African artists to be recognized at the BET. You were always available to help me in connecting with the world. Just last year, YFM celebrated your dad and you were full of praise. Rest well Lilly. pic.twitter.com/kWgeR4FjJo

— Ebenezer Donkoh (NY DJ) (@nydjlive) July 4, 2021

Lillian.

I don’t know what to say..

Thanks for always putting me on and the many opportunities, first time I was in BET was because of you.

Thanks for your words and love always. https://t.co/HYkPvjx5pK

— miss forson (@lydiaforson) July 4, 2021

Lilian Blankson died at the age of 46.