Neo-soul queen Erykah Badu receiving the Legend Award is just one highlight from the 2018 BET Soul Train Awards. Behind the scenes at the annual awards show, broadcast journalism alumnus Malcolm Farrell crossed paths with R&B legends Carl Thomas and Jacques while working as a production assistant.

“I feel this is where I belong,” said Malcolm, who graduated in December 2016. “I’ve done so much to try and get into a great position like this and I loved every aspect of it.”

Working the Soul Train Awards was no easy task. His duties included constructing and breaking down the set, refilling supplies, audience management, and assisting team members throughout the duration of the show. Still, the experience offered a rare vantage point for watching the high-caliber awards show unfold.  

“We were there for a whole week making sure things were in order and preparing for the show, so finally seeing it was the most exciting part. Things can get hectic as show day comes, but you have to make sure and keep your composure,” said Malcolm.

Malcolm attributes some of his success at the award ceremony to the skills learned in the classroom - particularly the multi-camera classes he took.

“Those production classes where we worked in different positions helped me understand different roles during the show, how each department works, and how they can be ran.”

The pre-recorded Soul Train awards show aired on Sunday, November 25 on BET. Since 1987, the show has strived to honor the finest in African-American music and entertainment and boasted R&B and soul legends such as Anita Baker, Whitney Houston and many more.