It’s that time of year again — the BET Awards stage is set, and in 2025, Nigeria hoists the Afrobeats flag high.
Self-acclaimed Sabi Girl, Ayra Starr is Afrobeats flagbearer, with three major nominations at this year’s ceremony. The 21-year-old Gen Z goddess secured nods in Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act.
Rema, the Afro-rave prince who’s now a global pop weapon, clinched a spot under Best International Act. Shallipoi broke into the big leagues as a Best New International Act nominee. And of course, the African Giant himself, Burna Boy, remains a staple, making another appearance under Best Male Hip Hop Artist.
Meanwhile, Tems returned to the spotlight, not with chart-chasing bangers, but with soul-wrenching ballads. Her tracks “Burning” and “Hold On” earned her two nods in the BET Her category — proof that vulnerability is still powerful currency.
But the nominations didn’t stop with the Naija crew. Kendrick Lamar leads the charge with 10 nominations, reminding the world who still runs rap. Close behind him are Doechii, Drake, GloRilla, and Future, all pulling six apiece. Heavyweights like Metro Boomin, SZA, and The Weeknd aren’t far behind, flooding categories with their genre-blending records.
Over in the collaboration trenches, Kendrick and SZA’s chemistry flared again with “Luther”, while Tyler, The Creator’s wild ride “Sticky” featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne earned a place in Best Collaboration. Tyler also nabbed a directing nod for his creative chaos.
On the movie end, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die”, “The Piano Lesson”, and “Mufasa: The Lion King” are all chasing the crown for Best Movie, while acting giants like Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Angela Bassett, and Zendaya lock horns for performance honours.
From gospel cuts with Tamela Mann and Maverick City Music to sports nods for Sha’Carri Richardson and LeBron James, the 2025 BET Awards is a melting pot of black excellence in every form.
The grand night unfolds on June 9 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, and it’ll be streaming live on BET.
