Summary: Burna Boy, Asake, and Tems secure nominations at the 2026 BET Awards, continuing Nigeria’s dominance in global music. Learn about their achievements and what this means for Afrobeats.
Nigeria’s Afrobeats giants continue their global dominance as they secure coveted spots at this year’s prestigious awards ceremony
Our music superstars are doing it again! Burna Boy, Asake, and Tems have landed major nominations at the 2026 BET Awards, proving once more that Nigerian music is not just a wave—it’s a permanent fixture on the global stage.
The awards ceremony, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on June 28, will once again spotlight the incredible talent flowing from our shores. And this year, our artists are showing up in full force.
Tems Leads the Nigerian Charge
Tems, the Grammy-winning songstress from Lagos, has particularly stood out this year with multiple nominations. The “Free Mind” crooner continues to build on her international success, following her groundbreaking achievements with hits like “Wait For U” and her feature on Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” album.
Her journey from performing at small venues in Lagos to securing multiple BET nominations is a testament to the power of authentic Nigerian talent and determination. Tems has become a role model for young Nigerian women in the music industry, showing that our sound can dominate global charts while maintaining our unique identity.
Burna Boy’s Consistent Excellence
The African Giant himself, Burna Boy, adds another BET nomination to his already impressive collection. Having previously won multiple awards and consistently representing Nigeria on international platforms, Burna’s nomination comes as no surprise to fans who have watched him evolve from the “Yawa Dey” days to becoming one of Africa’s most recognized voices.
His ability to stay relevant while pushing musical boundaries has kept him at the forefront of the Afrobeats movement, and this nomination only reinforces his status as one of Nigeria’s greatest musical exports.
Asake’s Meteoric Rise Continues
For Asake, this nomination represents another milestone in what has been a phenomenal career trajectory. The YBNL signee has gone from being a rising star to a household name, not just in Nigeria but across the world. His unique blend of Afrobeats with Fuji and Amapiano influences has created a sound that’s distinctly his own.
From sold-out shows at the O2 Arena in London to topping charts with hits like “Lonely At The Top” and “Active,” Asake’s BET nomination confirms that his music transcends borders and resonates with global audiences.
What This Means for Nigerian Music
These nominations arrive at a time when Nigerian music is experiencing unprecedented global recognition. From streaming platforms to international collaborations, our artists are no longer fighting for seats at the table—they’re building their own tables and inviting the world to join them.
The BET Awards have historically been a significant platform for recognizing Black excellence in entertainment, and the consistent presence of Nigerian artists in recent years shows how integral our music has become to the global conversation.
The Road to June 28
As we count down to the awards ceremony in Los Angeles, Nigerian fans across the country and in the diaspora will be rallying behind our representatives. Social media will undoubtedly buzz with support, voting campaigns, and anticipation as we await the results.
Whether they take home trophies or not, the nominations themselves are victories—proof that the music being created in Lagos studios, in Lekki penthouses, and in Surulere apartments is competing with and often surpassing the best the world has to offer.
One thing is certain: Nigerian music is here to stay, and artists like Burna Boy, Asake, and Tems are making sure the world knows it. As we say in Naija, “We no dey carry last!”
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