Tems, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Asake have secured major nominations for the 2026 BET Awards, further cementing Afrobeats’ growing global dominance, according to ChannelsTv and Punch. Organisers unveiled the nominations on Tuesday ahead of the ceremony scheduled for June 28 in Los Angeles, where comedian Druski will serve as host.
Tems emerged as one of Africa’s most recognised nominees this year, earning three nominations including Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, BET Her Award for her song “First,” and a Viewers’ Choice Award nomination for “Raindance,” her collaboration with British rapper Dave. Meanwhile, Wizkid and Asake earned a joint nomination in the Best Group category following the success of their collaborative releases and chart performances.
Burna Boy also secured a nomination in the Best Collaboration category for “WGFT,” his feature on Gunna’s track. Entertainment analysts say the nominations reflect the sustained international rise of Nigerian music and the increasing commercial influence of Afrobeats across North America, Europe, and global streaming platforms.
The BET Awards have historically played a major role in amplifying African talent globally, with Nigerian stars including Davido, D’banj, 2Baba, Tems, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr all receiving recognition over the years. Industry observers note that the 2026 nominations further reinforce Nigeria’s position as one of the world’s most influential music-exporting markets.
