![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://owurachy.com/bet-awards-2026-five-african-superstars-earn-major-nods/&media=https://owurachy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1779342811266.png&description=Five of Africa's biggest music stars have earned nominations at the 2026 BET Awards, proving once again that African music continues to make a strong impact on the global stage. Nigerian singer Tems leads the pack with three nominations. She is in the running for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, the BET Her Award for her song "First," and the Viewer's Choice Award for her collaboration "Raindance" with British rapper Dave. South African star Tyla follows closely with two nominations. Her song "CHANEL" earned her a nod for both Video of the Year and the Viewer's Choice Award, making it one of the most talked-about African tracks heading into the ceremony. Nigerian duo Wizkid and Asake picked up a joint nomination for Best Group, recognising their collaborative project REAL Vol. 1. Fellow Nigerian Burna Boy also got a nod for Best Collaboration, for his feature on American rapper Gunna's song "WGFT."){kind=link}
Five of Africa’s biggest music stars have earned nominations at the 2026 BET Awards, proving once again that African music continues to make a strong impact on the global stage.
Nigerian singer Tems leads the pack with three nominations. She is in the running for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, the BET Her Award for her song “First,” and the Viewer’s Choice Award for her collaboration “Raindance” with British rapper Dave.
South African star Tyla follows closely with two nominations. Her song “CHANEL” earned her a nod for both Video of the Year and the Viewer’s Choice Award, making it one of the most talked-about African tracks heading into the ceremony.
Nigerian duo Wizkid and Asake picked up a joint nomination for Best Group, recognising their collaborative project REAL Vol. 1. Fellow Nigerian Burna Boy also got a nod for Best Collaboration, for his feature on American rapper Gunna’s song “WGFT.”
The 2026 BET Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on June 28, 2026.
African Artists And The BET Awards: A Growing Legacy
African artists have been making their mark at the BET Awards for well over a decade. Burna Boy has been one of the most decorated African acts at the awards, winning Best International Act multiple times and helping put Afrobeats in the global spotlight. His wins in 2021 and 2022 in particular drew widespread attention.
Wizkid has also enjoyed significant recognition at the BETs, earning nominations and wins that reflect his long-standing influence in Afrobeats and mainstream pop music.
Tems made history at the 2023 BET Awards when she won Best New Artist, becoming one of the few African women to claim that title. Her rise has opened doors for a new generation of African female artists on the global stage.
Tyla, who burst onto the scene with her smash hit “Water,” quickly became a household name internationally and earned BET recognition shortly after her breakthrough, continuing the tradition of South African artists finding their footing on the global awards circuit.
Overall, the BET Awards have become one of the most important platforms for African artists seeking global recognition, and the 2026 nominations make it clear that Nigeria and South Africa remain at the forefront of Africa’s growing influence in the music world.