Will Smith debuts You Can Make It at 2024 BET Awards

Will Smith has returned to his origins

On Sunday, June 30, the Academy Award-winning actor, aged 55, took to the stage to unveil his new song "You Can Make It" live at the 2024 BET Awards in Los Angeles.

He began his performance in the middle of a blazing fire pit, singing lyrics like, "You are in the smoke and the fire / Tight rope on the wires / I see you’re broken and tired / And all your hope is expired / You’re just done with the change and the games and the shame / And the world is insane all the pain from the flames that you walk through."

The actor and rapper was then joined by Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore, and the Sunday Service choir as he continued his uplifting track amid a staged rainstorm.

Smith ended his performance with an inspiring message for the audience, saying, "Nobody gets an easy ride. We all have a cross to bear, but there is wisdom in that fire. And every single moment of your life is a brand new opportunity."

"We are not being punished; we are being forged," he added. "Dance in your darkest moments."

Last week, BET announced Smith as a special performer ahead of the release of his new single, which came out on Friday, June 28.