Nigerian Afrobeats superstars are making waves globally, with five top-tier acts competing against some of America’s biggest names at the BET Awards, taking place on Sunday night. Fans can tune in to BET (channel 40) at 12 am on Monday to catch all the excitement from the prestigious event celebrating black excellence.
Burna Boy, Tems, Ayra Starr, Asake, and Seyi Vibez have all earned nominations in various categories, showcasing the rising influence of Nigerian music on the international stage.
Burna Boy, known for his recent album “I Told Them,” is in contention for two major awards. The Grammy Award-winning artist is vying for the BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST, facing tough competition from Chris Brown, Usher, and Drake. He is also nominated for BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST, going head-to-head with JCole, Kendrick Lamar, Future, and Lil Wayne.
Tems, another Grammy winner, is nominated in two categories. She is up for VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR against Offset, Janelle Monae, Alan Ferguson, and Tyler The Creator. Her hit song “Me&U” is also a contender for the BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD, competing with Kirk Franklin, Cece Winans, Maverick City, and Halle Berry.
Ayra Starr, who has seen a meteoric rise with her global hits, is nominated for BEST NEW ARTIST. She faces competition from Tyla, Sexxy Red, Fridayy, October London, and Dlow. Additionally, her track “Commas” is up for the BET HER Award, where she will be competing with heavyweights such as Beyonce, Nicki Minaj & Tasha Cobbs, Meghan Thee Stallion, SZA, and Victoria Monet.
Asake, another rising star, is also in the running for the BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT award. He will be competing with Tyla, Focalistic, Aya Nakamura, Tiakola, Raye, Karol Conka, BK, and Cleo Sol. Street sensation Seyi Vibez is nominated for the VIEWERS’ CHOICE BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT, alongside Bellah, Cristale, Holly G, Duquesa, Jungheli, Makhadzi, Tyler ICU, and Oruam.
British-Nigerian actor Damson Idris is nominated for the BET BEST ACTOR award. He will be up against renowned actors such as Denzel Washington, Idris Elba, Anthony Mackie, Donald Glover, Lakeith Stanfield, and Colman Domingo.
