By Prosper Mene
Nigerian music continues its unstoppable global surge as Tems emerges as the leading Nigerian nominee at the 2026 BET Awards, with three standout nods. She is joined by Afrobeats heavyweights Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Asake, underscoring the genre’s growing influence on the international stage.
The nominations were announced on May 19, 2026, ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2026. Tems secured nominations in three categories:
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist (alongside heavyweights like SZA, Ella Mai, and others)
BET Her Award for her track “First”
Viewers’ Choice for “Raindance” (with Dave)
Wizkid and Asake earned a joint nomination in the Best Group category, marking a historic moment as one of the first contemporary African acts recognized in that category. Their collaboration, fueled by the success of their joint project REAL, Vol. 1, highlights the power of Afrobeats alliances.
Burna Boy received a nod in the Best Collaboration category for “WGFT” with Gunna, further cementing his status as a global force in music.
Tems’ multiple nominations position her as the top African act this year, ahead of South Africa’s Tyla (two nominations, including Video of the Year for “Chanel”). The recognition reflects the continued dominance and evolution of Nigerian and African music on platforms like BET, which has long celebrated Black excellence across genres.
Industry watchers see this as more than just individual achievements. Afrobeats, pioneered and popularized by artists like Wizkid and Burna Boy, has carved a permanent space in mainstream awards. Tems, known for her soulful R&B-infused sound and hits like those from her Grammy-winning contributions, continues to bridge genres and cultures.
The BET Awards, known for honoring Black culture in music, entertainment, and sports, will air live on June 28. Winners are determined by a combination of fan votes and a voting academy.
As anticipation builds, Nigerian artists are once again poised to make history. Whether Tems sweeps her categories or the collaborations shine, one thing is clear: the world is watching—and dancing—to the sounds coming out of Nigeria.
