Burna Boy,  Rema, Shallipopi Secure Nominations
With the release of the BET Awards 2025 nominations list, leading the charge from Africa are Burna Boy, Tems, Rema, Tyla, Ayra Starr, Black Sherif, Shallipopi, Shaboozey, Odeal, Maglera Doe Boy, Uncle Waffles, Dlala Thukzin, Abigail Chams, TxC, all recognised for their exceptional contributions to music and culture over the past year.
 
This recognition highlights their talent and dedication, solidifying their positions as leading African artistes on the world stage. It also showcases Nigeria’s growing influence in the music industry.
  
After an impressive run with chart-topping hits and international acclaim, Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr emerges as one of the top African nominees, scoring three nods in ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist’, ‘Best New Artiste’, and ‘Best International Act’.
  
Global star Tems continues to blaze trails, securing two nominations in the ‘BET Her’ category for her soulful and empowering songs Burning and Hold On, both lifted from her widely celebrated debut studio album, Born In The Wild. These nods further establish her as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary music today.
  
Other African artistes in the ‘Best New International Act’ category include breakout stars Shallipopi, Odeal, Maglera Doe Boy, Abigail Chams, and Dlala Thukzin.
   
Beyond music, the awards also honour achievements in film, television, and sports. Multi-talented actress and vocalist, Cynthia Erivo picks up two nominations—Best Actress, and ‘BET Her’ for her duet Defying Gravity with pop superstar Ariana Grande.
 
Kendrick Lamar leads the nominations with 10 nods, Doechii, Drake, Future and GloRilla tying with six nominations, Metro Boomin earning five nominations, and SZA and The Weeknd tying with four nominations each.
  
Lamar holds the top spot with 10 “BET Awards” 2025 nominations. His nominations include ‘Album of the Year’ for GNX, ‘Video of the Year’ for Not Like Us, three ‘Viewer’s Choice Award’ nods for Not Like Us, Luther, featuring SZA, and Like That with Future & Metro Boomin, three ‘Best Collaboration’ nods for Like That, 30 for 30, and Luther, featuring SZA, ‘Video Director of the Year’ with Dave Free, and ‘Best Male Hip Hop Artiste.’
  
Speaking on the nomination, Senior Vice President & Co-General Manager, Paramount Africa & Lead, BET International, Monde Twala, said, “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.”
   
The 25th Anniversary of BET Awards —Culture’s Biggest Night— will air live on BET from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 01:00 WAT on BET, DStv Channel 129 and GOtv Channel 21. The milestone event will honor 25 years of cultural excellence, spotlighting the most influential names in music, film, television, and sports.