The 2026 BET Awards nominations have placed African music firmly in the spotlight, with Nigerian superstars Wizkid, Burna Boy, Asake, and Tems earning major recognition ahead of this year’s ceremony.

The nominations reflect the continued global rise of Afrobeats and the increasing impact of African artists on the international music scene.

Wizkid and Asake made headlines after receiving a nomination in the Best Group category for their joint project REAL Vol. 1.

Their inclusion alongside established acts such as Clipse, FLO, Nas & DJ Premier, as well as Metro Boomin & DJ Spinz, marks a significant moment for contemporary African music on the global awards stage.

Tems emerged as one of Africa’s strongest contenders at the awards, securing three nominations.

She earned recognition in the Best Female R&B/Pop Artiste category, received a BET Her Award nomination for her single 'First', and also landed a Viewers’ Choice Award nomination for 'Raindance', her collaboration with British rapper Dave.

Meanwhile, Burna Boy received a nomination in the Best Collaboration category for his feature on 'WGFT' by American rapper Gunna, further reinforcing his status as one of Africa’s biggest international crossover acts.

Outside the African nominees, American rapper Cardi B leads the 2026 BET Awards nominations with six nods, while Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist follow closely with five nominations each.

The 2026 BET Awards ceremony will be hosted by comedian Druski and broadcast live across BET platforms, with fans around the world eagerly awaiting performances and possible historic wins for Africa’s representatives.

2026 bet awards nominees list

album of the year

Am I the Drama? – Cardi B
Don't Tap the Glass – Tyler, The Creator
Everything Is a Lot – Wale
Hearts Sold Separately – Mariah the Scientist
Let God Sort Em Out – Clipse
Mutt Deluxe: Heel – Leon Thomas
The Fall-Off – J. Cole
The Romantic – Bruno Mars

video of the year

100 – Ella Mai
Anxiety – Doechii
Burning Blue – Mariah the Scientist
Folded – Kehlani
Chanel – Tyla
Escape Room – Teyana Taylor
Let 'Em Know – T.I.
Luther – Kendrick Lamar and SZA

viewer's choice award

Burning Blue – Mariah the Scientist
Chains & Whips – Clipse featuring Kendrick Lamar
Chanel – Tyla
Folded – Kehlani
I Just Might – Bruno Mars
It Depends – Chris Brown featuring Bryson Tiller
Man I Need – Olivia Dean
Outside – Cardi B
Raindance – Dave and Tems
Take Me Thru There – Metro Boomin featuring Quavo, Breskii, YK Niece and DJ Spinz

best collaboration

Chains & Whips – Clipse and Kendrick Lamar
ErrTime Remix – Cardi B featuring Jeezy and Latto
Go Girl – Summer Walker featuring Latto and Doja Cat
Good Flirts – Baby Keem featuring Kendrick Lamar
Is It a Crime – Mariah the Scientist and Kali Uchis
It Depends (Remix) – Chris Brown featuring Bryson Tiller and Usher
Take Me Thru There – Metro Boomin featuring Quavo, Breskii, YK Niece and DJ Spinz
WGFT – Gunna featuring Burna Boy

best male r&b/pop artist

Brent Faiyaz
Bruno Mars
Bryson Tiller
Chris Brown
Durand Bernarr
GIVĒON
Leon Thomas
October London
Usher

best female r&b/pop artist

Ari Lennox
Coco Jones
Ella Mai
Jill Scott
Kehlani
Mariah the Scientist
Olivia Dean
SZA
Tems

best female hip hop artist

Cardi B
Coi Leray
Doechii
Doja Cat
GloRilla
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Monaleo
YK Niece

best male hip hop artist

A$AP Rocky
Baby Keem
BigXthaPlug
DaBaby
Don Toliver
Drake
J. Cole
Kendrick Lamar
T.I.

best new artist

Belly Gang Kushington
Destin Conrad
JayDon
Ken
Miles Minnick
Monaleo
Olivia Dean
Raye
Trap Dickey

best group

41
Clipse
De La Soul
Flo
French Montana and Max B
Metro Boomin and DJ Spinz
Nas and DJ Premier
Terrace Martin and Kenyon Dixon
Wizkid and Asake