Nigerian Stars Shine Bright in 2025 BET Awards Nominations – Ayra Starr, Tems, Burna Boy, Rema & Shallipopi Make Waves
The global stage is once again echoing the vibrant rhythms of Afrobeats as five Nigerian music powerhouses secure spots on the prestigious 2025 BET Awards nomination list.
Released on Thursday, May 8, the nominations revealed a strong Nigerian presence, with Ayra Starr leading the African pack with three nods—Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act. The Rush singer continues to prove that her star power is no fluke, and her global appeal is only growing stronger.
Tems, known for her soulful voice and lyrical depth, earned two nominations in the BET Her category for her empowering anthems Burning and Hold On, reaffirming her place as a voice of strength and femininity in global music.
Burna Boy, ever the giant of African music, was nominated for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, while Rema scored a nomination for Best International Act, adding another feather to his already-decorated cap. Fast-rising star Shallipopi also broke through with a nomination for Best New International Act, proving that the new wave of Afrobeats is here to stay.
Meanwhile, American rapper Kendrick Lamar dominates the nomination chart with 10 nods, followed by Drake, Future, Doechii, and GloRilla with six nominations each. The winners will be announced at a dazzling live ceremony on June 9 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, to be broadcast live on BET.
Opinion: Afrobeats Is No Longer Knocking—It’s Already Inside the Room
This isn’t just another year of recognition—it’s a cultural takeover. The 2025 BET nominations show that Afrobeats is not just a genre; it’s a global force. From Ayra Starr’s celestial voice to Shallipopi’s street-smart swagger, Nigerian artists are proving that talent, diversity, and identity can travel beyond borders and into hearts worldwide.
It’s especially heartwarming to see female artists like Ayra Starr and Tems leading the charge, not just representing Nigeria but showing that African women are redefining what it means to create music that moves the world.
Let’s not forget: this global spotlight is also a call for continued investment in African talent, better structures at home, and stronger representation abroad. The world is watching—and clearly, they like what they see.
🌍💫 Naija to the world, and beyond.
📅 Save the date: June 9
📺 Watch live on BET
🗣️ Join the celebration online using #BETAwards2025 #AfrobeatsToTheWorld #NaijaToTheWorld
