Nigerian music and the Afrobeats genre continue to solidify their global prominence with a strong showing at the 2026 BET Awards. Renowned artists Wizkid, Burna Boy, Asake, and Tems have all secured significant nominations, underscoring the genre's expanding influence on the international stage. The nominations were officially unveiled on Tuesday via the BET Awards' official website, leading up to the esteemed ceremony slated for June 28 in Los Angeles.

A major highlight for Nigerian music this year is the groundbreaking nomination of Wizkid and Asake in the 'Best Group' category. Their collaborative project, "REAL Vol. 1", has earned them this historic recognition, making them the first contemporary African artists to be nominated in this category. They are set to compete against formidable American and British acts, including Clipse, FLO, Nas & DJ Premier, French Montana & Max B, and Metro Boomin & DJ Spinz, further cementing Afrobeats' remarkable global expansion over the past decade.

Tems has emerged as one of the most prominent Nigerian contenders, garnering three nominations across key categories. The Grammy-winning artist is nominated for 'Best Female R&B/Pop Artist', the 'BET Her Award' for her song "First", and the 'Viewers' Choice Award' for "Raindance", her collaboration with British rapper Dave.

Burna Boy also received a nomination in the 'Best Collaboration' category for his featured appearance on Gunna's track "WGFT", adding to the collective recognition of Nigerian talent.

The 2026 BET Awards will be hosted by comedian Druski and broadcast live across BET platforms and affiliated networks. Leading the overall nominations is American rapper Cardi B with an impressive six nods. Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist also received strong recognition, securing five nominations each.

The full list of major 2026 BET Awards nominees spans various categories, showcasing a diverse array of talent:

Album of the Year: Nominees include "AM I THE DRAMA?" by Cardi B, "DON'T TAP THE GLASS" by Tyler, the Creator, "everything is a lot." by Wale, "HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY" by Mariah the Scientist, "Let God Sort Em Out" by Clipse, "MUTT Deluxe: HEEL" by Leon Thomas, "The Fall-Off" by J. Cole, and "The Romantic" by Bruno Mars.

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: This category features Ari Lennox, Coco Jones, Ella Mai, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Mariah the Scientist, Olivia Dean, SZA, and Nigeria's own Tems.

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Contenders are Brent Faiyaz, Bruno Mars, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Durand Bernarr, GIVĒON, Leon Thomas, October London, and Usher.

Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Nominees include Cardi B, Coi Leray, Doechii, Doja Cat, GloRilla, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Monaleo, and YK Niece.

Best Male Hip Hop Artist: A$AP Rocky, Baby Keem, BigXthaPlug, DaBaby, Don Toliver, Drake, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and T.I. are vying for this award.

Best Group: The pioneering Wizkid & Asake are nominated alongside 41, Clipse, De La Soul, FLO, French Montana & Max B, Metro Boomin & DJ Spinz, Nas & DJ Premier, and Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon.

Best Collaboration: Nominations include "Chains & Whips" (Clipse & Kendrick Lamar), "Errtime Remix" (Cardi B feat. Jeezy & Latto), "Go Girl" (Summer Walker feat. Latto & Doja Cat), "Good Flirts" (Baby Keem feat. Kendrick Lamar & Momo Boyd), "Is It a Crime" (Mariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis), "It Depends (The Remix)" (Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller & Usher), "Take Me Thru Dere" (Metro Boomin feat. Quavo, Breskii, YK Niece & DJ Spinz), and "WGFT" (Gunna feat. Burna Boy).

BET Her Award: The list includes "Already Good (Tasha Slide)" (Tasha Cobbs Leonard), "Be Great" (Jill Scott feat. Trombone Shorty), "Beautiful People" (Jill Scott), "First" (Tems), "girl, get up." (Doechii feat. SZA), "Go Girl" (Summer Walker feat. Latto & Doja Cat), "Gorgeous" (Doja Cat), and "Lady Lady" (Olivia Dean).

Viewers' Choice Award: Nominees are "Burning Blue" (Mariah the Scientist), "Chains & Whips" (Clipse feat. Kendrick Lamar), "Chanel" (Tyla), "Folded" (Kehlani), "I Just Might" (Bruno Mars), "It Depends" (Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller), "Man I Need" (Olivia Dean), "Outside" (Cardi B), "Raindance" (Dave & Tems), and "Take Me Thru Dere" (Metro Boomin feat. Quavo, Breskii, YK Niece & DJ Spinz).