The 2025 BET Awards nominations have officially been announced, and African music is once again making global waves with an impressive lineup of artists recognized in major international categories. This year’s nominations spotlight the diverse and growing influence of African talent on the world stage, with artists from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, Eswatini, and beyond receiving well-deserved nods.
Among the standout names is Ayra Starr, who leads the African nominations with recognition in three major categories: Best New Artist, Best International Act, and Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. Her rapid global rise and genre-blending sound have made her a standout voice of the new generation.
Also representing Nigeria, Rema is nominated for Best International Act, reflecting his global success and chart-topping collaborations. Shallipopi, one of the breakout stars of the year, secures a nomination for Best New International Act, while Burna Boy, a consistent powerhouse, returns to the spotlight with a nod for Best Male Hip Hop Artist.
The list doesn’t stop there.
From South Africa, amapiano and hip hop stars like TxC, Dlala Thukzin, and Maglera Doe Boy dominate the Best New International Act category. Superstar Tyla, whose hits continue to dominate global charts, earns a nomination for Best International Act alongside Swazi DJ sensation Uncle Waffles.
Tanzania’s rising star Abigail Chams also joins the ranks of Best New International Act, while Ghana’s very own Black Sherif returns to the BET stage with another nomination for Best International Act, continuing his international momentum.
Partial List of African Nominees at BET Awards 2025
• Ayra Starr (Nigeria) – Best New Artist, Best International Act, Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
• Rema (Nigeria) – Best International Act
• Shallipopi (Nigeria) – Best New International Act
• Burna Boy (Nigeria) – Best Male Hip Hop Artist
• Uncle Waffles (Eswatini) – Best International Act
• Tyla (South Africa) – Best International Act
• TxC (South Africa) – Best New International Act
• Dlala Thukzin (South Africa) – Best New International Act
• Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa) – Best New International Act
• Abigail Chams (Tanzania) – Best New International Act
• Black Sherif (Ghana) – Best International Act
Who Else Deserves a Spot?
As fans celebrate these remarkable nominees, many are already debating who else should have made the list. Names like Asake, Tems, Amaarae, Odumodublvck, and NSG have been making serious waves across continents and could easily have been contenders.
The 2025 BET Awards promise to be another celebration of Black excellence across music, entertainment, and culture — and once again, Africa is right at the heart of it.
Stay tuned MulticdbOnline for full coverage of the BET Awards 2025, exclusive interviews, and red carpet highlights.
By : Kofi Doku,