The highly anticipated nominees for the 2025 BET Awards have been unveiled, showcasing a diverse array of global talent, with African artists taking centre stage.
Leading the charge from the African continent are renowned names such as Burna Boy, Tems, Rema, Tyla, Ayra Starr, Black Sherif, Shallipopi, Shaboozey, Odeal, Maglera Doe Boy, Uncle Waffles, Dlala Thukzin, Abigail Chams, and TxC, all of whom have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to music and culture over the past year.
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has emerged as one of the top African nominees, securing three nominations in key categories. She’s up for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act, following her incredible rise with chart-topping hits and global recognition.
Tems, who has been making waves internationally, earned two nominations in the BET Her category. Her powerful and empowering songs “Burning” and “Hold On,” from her debut studio album Born in the Wild, earned her recognition and solidified her position as one of the most influential voices in modern music.
The Best New International Act category is dominated by African talent, with breakout stars Shallipopi, Odeal, Maglera Doe Boy, Abigail Chams, and Dlala Thukzin all earning well-deserved nominations. These emerging talents have been capturing the attention of global audiences, and their inclusion marks a significant moment for African music on the world stage.
Cynthia Erivo Earns Dual Nominations
Beyond music, the BET Awards also recognise achievements in film and television. Multi-talented actress and vocalist Cynthia Erivo has been nominated for Best Actress and for BET Her for her duet “Defying Gravity” with pop superstar Ariana Grande.
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Monde Twala on African Excellence
Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & Co-General Manager of Paramount Africa & Lead of BET International, spoke on the significance of the 2025 nominations: “At BET, we are proud to continue elevating and celebrating Black excellence on a global scale. The 2025 nominations reflect the incredible creativity, influence, and impact of African artists who are shaping culture and pushing boundaries. From Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Tems, Tyla, Odeal, Shallipopi, Maglera Doe Boy, Black Sherif, Uncle Waffles—these talents represent the diversity and heartbeat of a new generation, and the global resonance of our sounds.”
He also took the opportunity to congratulate nominees from Brazil, the UK, and France, underscoring BET’s commitment to showcasing African creatives on the world stage.
Kendrick Lamar Dominates Nominations
Kendrick Lamar leads the pack with a total of ten nominations, followed by Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla, each tied with six nominations. Metro Boomin, SZA, and The Weeknd round out the list with five and four nominations, respectively. This year’s nominations reflect a dynamic mix of talent across various sectors, including music, television, film, and sports.
The 2025 BET Awards nominees, chosen by the esteemed BET Voting Academy, showcase a wide range of creative expressions and celebrate Black excellence in all its forms. With African talent at the forefront, this year’s nominations highlight the continued global influence of African music and culture, as well as the diverse range of creatives making their mark on the world stage.
