- Tems leads the Nigerian nominees with three major nods and is confirmed to perform live at the 2026 BET Awards on June 28.
- Wizkid and Asake made history with a joint nomination for Best Group, while Burna Boy scored a Best Collaboration nod.
- The nominations confirm Afrobeats is no longer just an "international category" but a permanent fixture in mainstream global pop culture.
If you needed any more proof that Afrobeats has completely hijacked global pop culture, the 2026 BET Awards nomination list just provided it.
For years, African artists had to fight just to be recognised in the "Best International Act" category, often receiving their awards backstage before the main show even started. But in 2026, the script has completely flipped.
Four Nigerian superstars — Tems, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Asake — have secured major nominations across mainstream categories at this year's BET Awards, scheduled for Sunday, June 28, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Here is exactly who is nominated, what categories they are fighting for, and why this year feels different for Nigerian music.
Full list of Nigerian nominees at the 2026 BET Awards
- Tems — Best Female R&B/Pop Artist (solo work)
- Tems — BET Her Award ("First")
- Tems & Dave — Viewers' Choice Award ("Raindance")
- Wizkid & Asake — Best Group (joint collaborative work)
- Burna Boy & Gunna — Best Collaboration ("WGFT")
Tems takes over Los Angeles
Right now, nobody is having a better international run than Tems. The Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and producer is officially the most nominated African act at this year's ceremony, pulling in three massive nods.
She is nominated for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, placing her shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest female voices in American music. She also secured a BET Her Award nomination for her song "First," and a Viewers' Choice Award nod for "Raindance," her collaboration with British rapper Dave.
But the biggest news isn't just the nominations — it's the stage.
BET has officially confirmed that Tems will perform live during the main ceremony, joining a lineup that includes Cardi B, Doechii, Kehlani and Queen Latifah. For a Nigerian artist to take the main stage at one of the most influential platforms in global Black entertainment is a massive cultural victory.
Wizkid, Asake and Burna Boy make history
While Tems leads the pack, the boys are not far behind.
In one of the most celebrated highlights of this year's nominations, Wizkid and Asake earned a joint nomination in the Best Group category. It's a historic moment — proof that two Nigerian artists singing primarily in Yoruba and Pidgin can dominate an American awards category.
Meanwhile, the African Giant continues his relentless international run. Burna Boy secured a Best Collaboration nomination for "WGFT," his massive hit with American rapper Gunna.
What this means for Afrobeats
The 2026 BET Awards nominations represent a permanent shift in how the global music industry views Nigerian talent.
We are no longer just the "Afrobeats category." Tems is competing for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. Burna Boy is competing for Best Collaboration. Wizkid and Asake are competing for Best Group. Nigerian artists are now competing directly against American artists in the main categories — and winning.
What once started as a regional genre from Lagos has become a major force in global pop culture, with African artists selling out international venues, dominating streaming platforms and shaping the sound of modern music.
When Druski hosts the awards on June 28, millions of Nigerians will be watching — not just to see who wins, but to watch Tems bring the Nigerian sound to one of entertainment's biggest stages.
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Will you be watching the BET Awards on June 28? Who do you think is bringing an award back to Nigeria? Drop your predictions in the comments below.
