Introduction to the BET Awards

BET Awards is one of the biggest entertainment awards that is given annually to both music artists and actors, this award has been around for years. Wizkid, Tems, Davido are some of the African music artists that have won the award over there years.

In this year’s BET Awards, numerous African music artists are nominated for several categories. In this article, I will let you know the African artists who are nominated for BET Awards 2025.

Full List of Nominated African Artists at the BET Awards 2025

Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr is one of the most successful female African music artists at the moment, this Nigerian superstar has been topping the charts over the last four years. She came into the limelight when she was signed into Mavin Records, one of the biggest music recording labels in Africa.

In the 2025 BET Awards, Ayra Starr has three nominations, which is the most in the African continent:

  • Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
  • Best New Artist
  • Best International Act

Tems

Tems is also one of the few African music artists who are nominated for the 2025 BET Awards. The Grammy-winning Nigerian music superstar got two nominations:

  • BET Her category for “Burning” and “Hold On,” both from her debut album “Born In The Wild.”

Other African Music Artists Nominated for BET Awards 2025

Likewise, Tyla, Rema, Uncle Waffles, Burna Boy, and Black Sherif are nominated for:

  • Best International Act category

Nigeria Afrobeats singer, Burna Boy, was nominated for:

  • Best Male Hip Hop Artist category

Also, Shallipopi, Dlala Thukzin, Maglera Doe Boy, Abigail Chams, and TxC are nominated for:

  • Best New International Act category

Why the BET Awards Matter for African Artists

Now you know the African music artists that are nominated for the 2025 BET Awards, it’s necessary for all music lovers that are new to BET Awards to know about the prestigious entertainment award that is awarded in the United States annually for both music artists and actors.

About the BET Awards

The BET Awards is one of the biggest entertainment awards that is established to honor and celebrate African Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other forms of entertainment.

According to the available information, the award was established in 2001 by Robert L. Johnson, who is also the founder of the Black Entertainment Television (BET) network.

Over the years, BET awards has been recognising the achievements in Black culture and entertainment, providing a platform for artists and entertainers often underrepresented in mainstream awards.

The BET Awards is currently operated by BET Networks, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS (currently known as Paramount Global). The awards ceremony is typically held annually in June, and it has grown into one of the most prestigious events celebrating Black excellence in entertainment.

Currently, voting for the BET Awards involves a panel of industry professionals and BET executives who check out nominees and pick winners in different categories, like Best Male and Female Artist, Best New Artist, Video of the Year, and others.

BET Awards executives allowed fans to vote online through the BET website or official social media platforms.