The 2026 BET Awards nominations have been announced, and once again, Nigerian artists are making their presence felt on one of the biggest stages in global entertainment. The ceremony, set for Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, will be hosted by comedian and internet sensation Druski — the youngest-ever host in BET Awards history.
Leading the Nigerian contingent is Tems, who has secured an impressive three nominations across multiple categories, further cementing her status as one of the most versatile artists in contemporary music.
Tems: Three Nominations Across Categories
Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, continues her remarkable ascent with nominations in three categories:
- Best Female R&B/Pop Artist — alongside heavyweights SZA and Ella Mai
- BET Her — for her critically acclaimed single “First”
- Viewers’ Choice — for her feature on Dave’s “Raindance”
The Nigerian-born singer-songwriter has been on an unstoppable run since her breakout feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” in 2020, and these nominations reflect her growing dominance across multiple genres.
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Wizkid and Asake: Best Group Nomination
In one of the more intriguing nominations of the year, Wizkid and Asake have earned a spot in the Best Group category — one of the most competitive categories on the night. The pairing highlights the continued collaborative spirit within Nigerian music and the global reach of Afrobeats.
Wizkid, a BET Awards veteran with multiple previous wins, brings his star power alongside Asake, whose meteoric rise has made him one of Afrobeats’ most exciting young talents. Their joint recognition speaks to the genre’s evolution and its ability to produce world-class collaborations.
Burna Boy: Best Collaboration
Grammy Award-winner Burna Boy has landed a nomination for Best Collaboration for his appearance on Gunna’s track “wgft.” This marks another milestone for the self-proclaimed African Giant, who continues to bridge the gap between Afrobeats and American hip-hop.
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What This Means for Nigerian Music
The strong showing by Nigerian artists at the 2026 BET Awards is more than just a collection of nominations — it represents the continued globalisation of African music. From Tems’ genre-crossing appeal to Burna Boy‘s hip-hop crossovers and the Wizkid-Asake partnership, Nigerian artists are no longer guests at the global music table; they are setting it.
The BET Awards, which celebrates achievements across music, sports, television, and film, has increasingly become a platform for African artists to gain recognition alongside their American counterparts. This year’s nominations suggest that trajectory is only accelerating.
Mark Your Calendars
The 26th BET Awards will air live on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 8 PM ET/PT from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. With Druski at the helm and Nigerian talent strongly represented, it promises to be a night to remember.
Recommended
Get ready for awards season with the JBL Tune 770NC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones — great sound quality for enjoying all the nominated tracks.