Nigerian music stars Wizkid, Asake, Burna Boy, and Tems have garnered significant nominations for the upcoming 2026 BET Awards. The nominations were revealed on Tuesday, ahead of the annual ceremony scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Wizkid and Asake are both nominated in the Best Group category, a recognition fueled by their successful collaborations and a series of chart-topping hits. Tems shines as one of the most nominated African artists, with three nominations: Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, a BET Her Award for her track “First,” and an Audience Award nomination for her collaboration with Dave on “Raindance.”
Meanwhile, Burna Boy received a nomination in the Best Collaboration category for “WGFT,” which features Gunna. The presence of these artists highlights the strong legacy that Nigerian talent has established at the BET Awards.
Wizkid is celebrated as one of Africa’s most decorated artists, while Burna Boy continues to make waves in the international music scene. Notable past winners from Nigeria include Davido, Tems, 2Baba, D’banj, Ice Prince, and most recently, Ayra Starr, who took home the Best International Performance Award in 2025.
In addition to music, Nigerian talent is expanding its influence within the film industry. Ayo Edebiri and Cynthia Erivo have received nominations for Best Actress, while Damson Idris is nominated for Best Actor. These nominations underscore the growing recognition of Nigerian creatives across multiple entertainment disciplines.
2026 BET Awards Nominations in Select Categories
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Ari Lennox
coco jones
Ella Mai
Jill Scott
Kehlani
maria the scientist
olivia dean
SZA
Tems
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
brent fires
bruno mars
bryson tiller
chris brown
Durand Bernard
Giveon
leon thomas
October London
Usher
Best Group
41
Clipse
de la soul
FLO
French Montana & Max B
Metro Boomin & DJ Spinz
Eggplant & DJ Premier
Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon
Wizkid & Asake
Best Collaboration
“Chains & Whips” — Clipse ft. Kendrick Lamar
“Errtime Remix” – Cardi B ft. Jeezy & Latto
“Go Girl” — Summer Walker ft. Ratt & Doja Cat
“Good Flirts” – Baby Keem ft. Kendrick Lamar & Momo Boyd
“Is It a Crime?” — Mariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis
“It Depends (The Remix)” — Chris Brown ft. Bryson Tiller & Usher
“Take Me Thru Dere” — Metro Boomin ft. Quavo, Breski, YK Nice & DJ Spinz
“WGFT” — Gunna ft. Burna Boy
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
a$ap rocky
baby keem
big the plug
da baby
don tolliver
drake
J Cole
kendrick lamar
T.I.
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Cardi B
Koi Lelei
Doechii
doja cat
Glorilla
rat
megan thee stallion
mona leo
YK niece
Video of the Year
“100” — Ella Mai
“Anxiety” — Doechii
“Burning Blue” — Mariah the Scientist
“Chanel” — Tyra
“Escape Room (Short Film)” — Teyana Taylor
“Folded” — Kehlani
“Please let me know” — TI
“Luther” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Video Director of the Year
A$AP Rocky & Dan Strait
anderson paak
benny boom
cactus jack
Cardi B & Patient Foster
cole bennett
director x
Hype Williams
Teyana “Spike Tay” Taylor
Best New Artist
berry gang cushington
Destin Conrad
jadon
know
Miles Minnick
mona leo
olivia dean
Ray
trap dickie
Album of the Year
Am I a drama? — Cardi B
Don’t hit the glass — Tyler the Creator
Everything is a lot. — Wale
Hearts sold separately — Mariah the Scientist
Let God sort it out — Clipse
Mutt Deluxe: Heel — Leon Thomas
The Fall Off — J. Cole
The Romantic — Bruno Mars
Best Actress Award
angela bassett
Ayo Edebiri
chase infinity
coco jones
Cynthia Erivo
kiki palmer
Quinta Branson
regina hall
Teyana Taylor
Best Actor Award
Aaron Pierre
Aldis Hodge
anthony mackie
Colman Domingo
Damson Idris
delroy lindo
denzel washington
Michael B. Jordan
Sterling K. Brown
Young Star Award
Dahlia Jones
Gracyn “Gracie” Hollingsworth
heir harris
Jazzy’s World TV
Lela Hoffmeister
northwest
Thaddeus J. Mixon
Van Van
Best Movie Award
“Highest 2 Lowest”
“he”
“Number one on the call sheet”
“One battle after another”
“Relationship goals”
“Ruth and Boaz”
“Sinners”
“Wicked: For Good”
Sportswoman of the Year
Aja Wilson
angel wreath
Claressa Shields
coco gauff
fraugei johnson
gabby thomas
Jordan Chiles
Naomi Osaka
shakari richardson
Sportsman of the Year
aaron judge
anthony edwards
caleb williams
jalen brunson
Jalen Hurts
lebron james
Shedua Sanders
steph curry
Bet Her Prize
“Already Good (Tasha Slide)” — Tasha Cobbs Leonard
“Be Great” — Jill Scott ft. Trombone Shorty
“Beautiful People” — Jill Scott
“First” — Tems
“Miss, wake up.” — Doechi ft. SZA
“Go Girl” — Summer Walker ft. Ratt & Doja Cat
“Gorgeous” — Doja Cat
“Lady Lady” — Olivia Dean
Fashion Vanguard Award
a$ap rocky
bad bunny
beyonce
Cardi B
Colman Domingo
Doechii
rihanna
Teyana Taylor
zendaya
Pulse Award (Podcast/Media)
85 South Show
Baby, this is Kiki Palmer
charlamagne the god
Don Lemon
Druschi
that’s reality
joe and jada
on the radar
R&B Money Podcast
