• Metascholar News Portal
• Africa , Entertainment
• May 9, 2025
• 568 views
• 6 minutes Read

Ayra Starr Leads as Burna Boy, Shallipopi, and Rema Secure 2025 BET Awards Nominations

The 2025 BET Awards nominations are officially out and African artists are making waves like never before. With major nods going to Nigerian sensations Ayra Starr, Rema, Shallipopi, and Burna Boy, this year’s nominations reflect a historic shift in global music influence and representation. Scheduled for June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, the BET Awards will once again celebrate Black excellence across music, film, sports, and culture. However, this year’s edition is turning heads for the strong presence of African artists in top-tier categories once reserved almost exclusively for American performers. Ayra Starr, a rising powerhouse from Nigeria, has landed a coveted nomination for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. She stands alongside global icons such as SZA, Summer Walker, and Victoria Monét a signal of her explosive rise on the international stage. Her nomination is not only a personal milestone but also a win for the new generation of African female voices reshaping the music industry. In the Best International Act category, Starr is joined by fellow Nigerian Rema, Ghana’s Black Sherif, South Africa’s Tyla, and eSwatini’s Uncle Waffles. They face competition from artists in Brazil, the UK, and France, highlighting how Africa’s musical footprint continues to expand across continents. African influence doesn’t stop there. In the Best New International Act category, up-and-coming stars like Nigeria’s Shallipopi, South Africa’s Dlala Thukzin, and Tanzania’s Abigail Chams show that the continent remains a hotbed of fresh, genre-bending talent. A groundbreaking moment arrives with Burna Boy, who earned a nomination for Best Male Hip Hop Artist a category historically dominated by U.S. rappers like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler, the Creator. His inclusion signals growing acceptance and celebration of African excellence in global hip hop spaces. Launched in 2001, the BET Awards were designed by Black Entertainment Television to recognize and honor African Americans and other minority groups in music, acting, sports, and entertainment. Over the years, the awards have grown into a global platform showcasing the rich tapestry of Black creativity and innovation. As the entertainment world becomes increasingly interconnected, the BET Awards’ recognition of African talent represents more than just nominations it is a cultural acknowledgment of Africa’s transformative role in the global creative ecosystem. With performances, tributes, and surprises expected, the 2025 ceremony is poised to be one of the most memorable yet. 2025 BET Awards – Full List of Categories and Nominees R&B/Pop Artist Best International Act Best New International Act Best Male Hip Hop…