Soul singer Chaka Khan and actress Halle Berry are to be recognised at the 2013 BET Honors for their outstanding contributions to African-American culture.

America's BET Networks bosses annually hand out trophies to a handful of extraordinary legends and next year (13), I'm Every Woman hitmaker Khan and Monster's Ball beauty Berry will pick up the prestigious accolades during a ceremony hosted by Gabrielle Union in Washington, D.C. on 12 January (13).

Also receiving prizes are basketball star Lisa Leslie and music label executive Clarence Avant, according to the Associated Press.

The group joins a long list of previous honourees - 2012's recipients included Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, director Spike Lee and writer Maya Angelou.