The nominees for the BET Awards 2025 have been officially announced, and Nigerian artists are again in the spotlight.
The organisers revealed the full list on Thursday, May 8, drawing attention to the rising influence of Afrobeats on the global music stage.
Nigerian artists make a strong showing
Five Nigerian stars made the list of this year’s BET nominees. Burna Boy, Tems, Rema, Ayra Starr, and Shallipopi are all being recognised for their impact in the past year. Their nominations highlight the continued growth of Nigerian music and the global reach of Afrobeats.
Ayra Starr leads the pack
Among the Nigerian nominees, Ayra Starr stands out with three nominations—more than any other Nigerian artist this year. The 21-year-old singer is nominated for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act. Her unique voice and style have earned her fans across continents, making her one of the most promising young stars to watch.
Tems earns recognition for empowering music
Tems picked up two nominations, both in the BET Her category. Her songs Burning and Hold On were praised for their strong, empowering messages aimed at uplifting women. This recognition further cements her place as a powerful voice in global R&B and soul music.
One nomination each for Rema, Shallipopi, and Burna Boy
Rema, known for hits like Calm Down, was nominated for Best International Act. His continued success in both African and global markets makes him a strong contender in this category.
Shallipopi, one of the fastest-rising acts in Nigeria, earned a nomination for Best New International Act. His energetic performances and viral hits have caught the attention of fans and critics alike.
Burna Boy, a Grammy-winning artist and long-time global ambassador for Afrobeats, received a nod for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist. Known for his fusion of styles, Burna Boy continues to push boundaries and set new standards for African music.
Kendrick Lamar tops the overall list
In the overall nominations, American rapper Kendrick Lamar leads the pack with 10 nominations. His name appears across key categories, reflecting his continued dominance in the music industry.
Other top nominees include Drake, Future, Doechii, and GloRilla, each earning six nominations. These artists are expected to be central figures at this year’s awards ceremony.
Big night set for June 9
The 2025 BET Awards will take place on Sunday, June 9, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. The event will be broadcast live on BET, giving fans around the world a chance to watch the show in real time.
The BET Awards are famous for their star-studded performances, heartfelt speeches, and unforgettable moments. This year promises to deliver another memorable night celebrating Black excellence in music, entertainment, and culture.
Afrobeats continues its global rise
This year’s nominations show how far Afrobeats has come. The presence of Nigerian artists in major categories proves that the genre is not just a regional trend; it’s a global force. With stars like Ayra Starr, Tems, and Burna Boy gaining recognition, the future of African music looks brighter than ever.
What’s next?
As the countdown to June 9 begins, fans are excited to see who will take home the awards. Whether or not they win, the nominations alone are a major achievement for the Nigerian artists. They reflect not only individual talent but also the growing respect for African music on the world stage.
Stay tuned for more updates as the BET Awards approach.
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