Tems, Burna Boy, Wizkid among 5 Africans nominated at BET 2026 awards
By William Muthama, May 21, 2026The Black Entertainment Television. Awards (BET) has announced its 2026 nominations, with five African artistes, Tems, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Asake and Tyla earning major nods across key categories, highlighting another strong year for African music on the global stage.
In an announcement on Thursday, May 21, 2026, Tems emerged as one of the top African nominees with three nominations.
She was nominated for Best Female R&B/Pop Artiste, where she competed against global stars including SZA, Kehlani and Coco Jones, among others.
She also earned a nomination in the BET Her Award for her song “First,” and was featured in the Viewers’ Choice Award category for her collaboration “Raindance” featuring Dave.
Burna Boy, Wizkid and Asake secure key nods
Burna Boy, Wizkid and Asake also secured major nominations, further highlighting Africa’s growing dominance in global music categories.
Burna Boy was nominated for Best Collaboration for “WGFT” with Gunna, competing alongside top international acts.
Wizkid and Asake jointly appeared in the Best Group category, marking a significant recognition for African artistes in ensemble awards.
South African star Tyla also earned multiple nominations for her hit “CHANEL.” She was nominated for Video of the Year, where she competed with global heavyweights, and in the Viewers’ Choice Award, reflecting her rapid rise on the international music scene.
This year’s nominations highlight a significant shift in the BET Awards’ structure, with African artists no longer confined to regional categories but increasingly competing in mainstream global fields.
The move reflects the growing dominance and influence of African music across global charts and streaming platforms.
The ceremony, which is scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2026, will be hosted by comedian Druski and is expected to be one of the most competitive editions yet, with African acts standing alongside some of the world’s biggest names in music.
Historically, African artists have enjoyed strong success at the BET Awards, with winners including Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tems, Davido and Ayra Starr in previous years, paving the way for this new generation of globally recognised talent.