The 2026 BET Awards nominations dropped this week. African artists did not just show up. They dominated. Here is who made the cut.
1. Tems: Three Nominations
Tems leads the African contingent with three nods.
She is up for ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist’, sharing the category with SZA, Ella Mai, and Kehlani. Her song “First” earned her a ‘BET Her Award’ nomination. Her collaboration with Dave, “Raindance,” is nominated for the ‘Viewers’ Choice Award’. 
2. Tyla: Two Nominations
South Africa’s Tyla is having a moment.
She secured a nomination for ‘Video of the Year’ for “Chanel.” According to Bona Magazine, she is the first African artist ever nominated in this category. The same song also earned her a ‘Viewers’ Choice Award’ nomination.
3. Burna Boy: Best Collaboration
Burna Boy’s feature on Gunna’s “WGFT” earned him a ‘Best Collaboration’ nomination. The category is stacked with heavyweights like Clipse featuring Kendrick Lamar and Cardi B featuring Jeezy and Latto.
Burna has been here before. He knows this game. And a win would add another international trophy to an already crowded shelf.
4. Wizkid & Asake: Best Group
This is the one to watch.
Wizkid and Asake received a joint nomination for ‘Best Group’. They are the first contemporary African acts recognised in this category. Their collaborative project, including the ‘Real’ EP, earned them a spot against Clipse, FLO, and Nas & DJ Premier.
Two Nigerian stars. One category. A door that has never opened for African artists before.
SEE ALSO: The Most Talked-About Looks at Telecel Ghana Music Awards 2026
What This Means
The BET Awards take place on June 28, 2026, in Los Angeles. Comedian Druski will host.
Nigerian artists have built a strong legacy at the BET Awards. Wizkid is one of Africa’s most decorated winners. Burna Boy has dominated international categories. Previous honorees include Davido, 2Baba, D’banj, Ice Prince, and most recently Ayra Starr, who won Best International Act in 2025.
But this year feels different. Tems is nominated in three distinct categories. Tyla is breaking new ground. Wizkid and Asake are competing in a category that previously had no African presence.
Afrobeats is not knocking on the door anymore. Afrobeats is sitting at the table.
Now they just need to win.
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