Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Tems, and Rema Shine as BET Awards 2025 Nominations Drop

The stage is set for one of the biggest nights in Black entertainment as the nominees for the 2025 BET Awards have officially been announced. And once again, Nigerian Afrobeats stars are dominating the spotlight.

Unveiled on Thursday, May 8, 2025, the nominations list features a powerful lineup of Nigerian artists who have made major waves globally over the past year. Ayra Starr leads the Nigerian pack, scoring an impressive three nominations; Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act further solidifying her fast-rising international reputation.

Tems, known for her soulful vocals and compelling songwriting, earned two nominations in the BET Her category, for her emotionally charged songs Burning and Hold On, both of which spotlight themes of strength and resilience.

Rema continues to push global boundaries with his sound and bagged a nomination for Best International Act, while Shallipopi, one of the freshest voices out of Nigeria, was nominated for Best New International Act, marking his debut on the prestigious platform.

Burna Boy, a veteran in this space and a Grammy winner, secured a nomination for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, further cementing his status as a global music powerhouse.

While African stars are well-represented, American rapper Kendrick Lamar tops the 2025 BET Awards nominations with a staggering 10 nods, followed by Drake, Future, Doechii, and GloRilla, who each earned six nominations.

The highly anticipated BET Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, and will be broadcast live on BET. As always, the event promises to be a celebration of Black excellence in music, culture, and entertainment worldwide.

Afrobeats is not just having a moment, it’s setting the global rhythm.