The 2025 BET Awards nominations have been officially released, and Nigerian Afrobeats talents continue to assert their global dominance with multiple nods across key categories. The announcement, made on Thursday, May 8, 2025, highlights the ever-growing influence of African music on the international stage.
Leading the Nigerian contingent is the fast-rising songstress Ayra Starr, who earned three nominations: Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act. This achievement cements her status as one of the brightest young stars in the global music scene.
Ayra Starr’s soaring career, marked by her soulful vocals and genre-blending style, has resonated with audiences worldwide. Reacting to the nominations via her social media handles, the “Rush” hitmaker expressed her gratitude: “Three BET nominations! I’m overwhelmed with joy and thankful to everyone who’s been part of this journey. This is for every girl dreaming big.”
Tems, another Nigerian powerhouse, secured two nominations in the BET Her category for her empowering singles “Burning” and “Hold On”. The category celebrates impactful music that uplifts and inspires women. Tems’ lyrical depth and emotive delivery continue to earn her critical acclaim, and her consistent presence in international award circuits underscores her artistry.
Tems, who previously won the Best International Act at the 2022 BET Awards, shared her excitement, stating: “To be recognized once again for music that speaks truth and uplifts – I’m truly honoured. Thank you BET.”
Rema, known for his genre-defying sound, received a nomination for Best International Act. After a record-breaking 2024 which included collaborations with top global artists and a world tour, the “Calm Down” crooner remains a force on the international music radar.
Meanwhile, street-hop sensation Shallipopi earned a nomination in the Best New International Act category, a significant milestone in his meteoric rise. From viral tracks on TikTok to international recognition, Shallipopi represents the new wave of Nigerian street music capturing global ears.
Afrobeats giant Burna Boy continues his streak of international accolades with a nomination for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist. Known for his lyrical activism and musical versatility, Burna Boy remains a mainstay in global award shows, having previously won at the BET Awards in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
On the international front, Kendrick Lamar leads the 2025 BET Awards pack with a staggering 10 nominations, including Album of the Year, Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, and Video of the Year. He is followed closely by Drake, Future, Doechii, and GloRilla, each scoring six nominations.
The 2025 edition of the BET Awards is shaping up to be a celebration of diversity, innovation, and cultural impact. The winners will be unveiled during a live ceremony scheduled for June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. The event will be broadcast live on BET, promising electrifying performances, emotional moments, and a celebration of Black excellence in entertainment.
This year’s nominations reflect the global spread of Black music, especially the continued rise of African artists. In recent years, Nigerian artists have become staples in the international music conversation, collaborating with the world’s biggest stars and selling out major arenas.
BET’s commitment to spotlighting global Black talent remains unwavering. The Best International Act and Best New International Act categories are testaments to the platform’s effort to embrace and celebrate musical talents from outside the United States.
The full list of Nigerian nominees for the 2025 BET Awards includes:
- Ayra Starr
- Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
- Best New Artist
- Best International Act
- Tems
- BET Her – “Burning”
- BET Her – “Hold On”
- Burna Boy
- Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
- Rema
- Best International Act
- Shallipopi
- Best New International Act
The excitement is building as fans await the results and root for their favourite stars. With the continued success of artists like Ayra Starr, Tems, Burna Boy, and Rema, the future of African music on the global stage looks incredibly bright.
As the countdown to June 9 begins, music lovers across the continent and beyond will be watching closely to see how these Nigerian stars fare at one of Black entertainment’s biggest nights.
Stay tuned to Africalivenews for full coverage of the 2025 BET Awards, including red carpet highlights, exclusive interviews, and live updates from Los Angeles.
