Entertainment

FULL LIST: Burna Boy, Shallipopi, Rema Get 2025 BET Awards Nominations As Ayra Starr Leads

Published

6 months ago

May 9, 2025

The 2025 BET Awards nominations are out—and African artists are making history.
With stars like Nigeria’s Ayra Starr, Rema, Shallipopi, and Burna Boy earning nods in top-tier categories traditionally dominated by American acts, this year’s lineup signals a powerful shift in global music dynamics.

Slated for 9 June at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, the awards are shaping up to be a landmark celebration of Black talent across the world.

Ayra Starr is nominated for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist—a fiercely contested category that includes SZA, Summer Walker, and Victoria Monét—marking a career milestone and reinforcing her rapid ascent on the global stage.

Africa’s influence continues in the Best International Act category, where Starr is joined by fellow Nigerian Rema, Ghana’s Black Sherif, South Africa’s Tyla, and eSwatini’s Uncle Waffles.

They’re up against peers from Brazil, France, and the UK, highlighting the continent’s expanding footprint in global music conversations.

Rising stars from South Africa, Nigeria, and Tanzania also dominate the Best New International Act category, further cementing Africa’s role as a hotbed of fresh, genre-defying talent.

Perhaps most notably, Burna Boy breaks new ground with a nomination for Best Male Hip Hop Artist, going head-to-head with heavyweights like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler, the Creator—a rare crossover into a category typically reserved for U.S. rap icons.

As anticipation builds, this year’s BET Awards are already being hailed as a moment of reckoning for African music’s influence—and a celebration of its rightful place on the world stage.

Here is the full list of nominees, categories:

R&B/Pop Artist

⁠Ayra Starr
⁠Ari Lennox
⁠Coco Jones
⁠Kehlani
Muni Long
Summer Walker
SZA
Victoria Monét

Best International Act

Any Gabrielly (Brazil)
⁠Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
⁠Bashy (United Kingdom)
⁠Black Sherif (Ghana)
⁠Ezra Collective (United Kingdom)
Joé Dwèt Filé (France)
Mc Luanna (Brazil)
Rema (Nigeria)
⁠Sdm (France)
⁠Tyla (South Africa)
Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)

Best New International Act

⁠Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
Amabbi (Brazil)
Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
⁠Dr Yaro (France)
kwn (United Kingdom)
⁠Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa)
Merveille (France)
Odeal (United Kingdom)
⁠Shallipopi (Nigeria)
⁠TxC (South Africa)

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

Burna Boy
⁠BigXthaPlug
⁠Bossman Dlow
Drake
Future
Kendrick Lamar
Key Glock
Lil Wayne
Tyler, the Creator

Album of the Year

$Ome $Exy $Ongs 4 U – Drake & PartyNextDoor
11:11 Deluxe – Chris Brown
Alligator Bites Never Heal – Doechii
Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
Glorious – GloRilla
GNX – Kendrick Lamar
Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd
We Don’t Trust You – Future & Metro Boomin

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

Bruno Mars
Chris Brown
Drake
Fridayy
Leon Thomas
Teddy Swims
The Weeknd
Usher

Best Group

41
Common & Pete Rock
Drake & PartyNextDoor
FLO
Future & Metro Boomin
Jacquees & Dej Loaf
Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist
Maverick City Music

Best Collaboration

‘30 For 30’ – SZA ft. Kendrick Lamar
‘Alter Ego’ – Doechii ft. JT
‘Are You Even Real’ – Teddy Swims ft. Givēon
‘Beckham’ – Dee Billz feat. Kyle Richh, Kai Swervo, Kj Swervo
‘Bless’ – Lil Wayne, Wheezy & Young Thug
‘Like That’ – Future & Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
‘Luther’ – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
‘Sticky’ – Tyler, the Creator ft. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne
‘Timeless’ – The Weeknd ft. Playboi Carti

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

Cardi B
Doechii
Doja Cat
GloRilla
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Rapsody
Sexyy Red

Video of the Year

‘3AM in ToKEYo’ – Key Glock
‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ – Shaboozey
‘After Hours’ – Kehlani
‘Denial Is A River’ – Doechii
‘Family Matters’ – Drake
‘Not Like Us’ – Kendrick Lamar
‘Timeless’ – The Weeknd ft. Playboi Carti
‘Type Shit’ – Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti

Video Director of the Year

Anderson .Paak
B Pace Productions & Jacquees
Benny Boom
Cactus Jack
Cole Bennett
Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Dave Meyers
Foggieraw
Tyler, the Creator

Best New Artist

41
Ayra Starr
BigXthaPlug
Bossman Dlow
Dee Billz
Leon Thomas
October London
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award

‘A God (There Is)’ – Common & Pete Rock ft. Jennifer Hudson
‘Amen’ – Pastor Mike Jr.
‘Better Days’ – Fridayy
‘Church Doors (Terry Hunter Remix)’ – Yolanda Adams feat. Sir The Baptist & Donald Lawrence
‘Constant’ – Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore & Anthony Gargiula
‘Deserve To Win’ – Tamela Mann
‘Faith’ – Rapsody
‘Rain Down on Me’ – GloRilla ft. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music

Viewer’s Choice Award

‘Residuals’ – Chris Brown
‘Denial Is A River’ – Doechii
‘Nokia’ – Drake
‘Like That’ – Future & Metro Boomin ft. Kendrick Lamar
‘TGIF’ – GloRilla
‘Not Like Us’ – Kendrick Lamar
‘Luther’ – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
‘Brokey’ – Latto

BET Her

‘Beautiful People’ – Mary J. Blige
‘Blackbiird’ – Beyoncé ft. Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts
‘Bloom’ – Doechii
‘Burning’ – Tems
‘Defying Gravity’ – Cynthia Erivo feat. Ariana Grande
‘Heart of a Woman’ – Summer Walker
‘Hold On’ – Tem
‘In My Bag’ – FLO & GloRilla

Best Movie

Bad Boys: Ride Or Die
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Luther: Never Too Much
Mufasa: The Lion King
One Of Them Days
Rebel Ridge
The Piano Lesson
The Six Triple Eight

Best Actor

Aaron Pierre
Aldis Hodge
Anthony Mackie
Colman Domingo
Denzel Washington
Jamie Foxx
Joey Bada$$
Kevin Hart
Sterling K. Brown
Will Smith

Best Actress

Andra Day
Angela Bassett
Coco Jones
Cynthia Erivo
Keke Palmer
Kerry Washington
Quinta Brunson
Viola Davis
Zendaya

YoungStars Award

Akira Akbar
Blue Ivy Carter
Graceyn ‘Gracie’ Hollingsworth
Heiress Harris
Melody Hurd
Thaddeus J. Mixson
Tyrik Johnson
Vanvan

Sportswoman of the Year Award

A’ja Wilson
Angel Reese
Claressa Shields
Coco Gauff
Dawn Staley
Flau’jae Johnson
Juju Watkins
Sha’Carri Richardson
Simone Biles

Sportsman of the Year Award

Aaron Judge
Anthony Edwards
Deion Sanders
Jalen Hurts
Jayson Tatum
LeBron James
Saquon Barkley
Stephen Curry

Launched in 2001, the BET Awards were created by Black Entertainment Television to celebrate African Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and entertainment.
Over the years, the show has evolved into one of the most influential platforms honouring Black excellence globally.

Held annually, the awards spotlight trailblazing talent and cultural milestones, with performances, tributes, and iconic moments that shape the broader narrative of Black artistry.

As the entertainment industry becomes more global, the BET Awards have expanded their reach, increasingly recognising international acts—particularly from Africa—whose voices are redefining the global music landscape.
Tosin Oyediran
Tosin, with over six years’ experience, conducts incisive interviews, pens engaging features, subedits and delivers impactful stories for the digital sphere.

Up Next

Kollington Ayinla Gives Update On Relationship With Estranged Wife, Salawa Abeni [VIDEO]

Don't Miss

It’s Like He Came Back – Davido Discloses Son’s Resemblance To Late Ifeanyi Adeleke

Comments

Entertainment

Ned Nwoko Breaks Silence, Blames Regina’s Outburst On Drug Abuse

Published

4 days ago

October 19, 2025

Editor

Senator Ned Nwoko has broken his silence following a viral video showing his wife, actress Regina Daniels, in distress, describing her recent actions as “drug-influenced” and “unprovoked carnage.”

In a lengthy post and a short video shared on his Instagram handle #princenednwoko on Sunday, Nwoko claimed the actress was battling drug and alcohol abuse, which he said was at the root of the crisis rocking their marriage.

“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem.

“She must continue her rehabilitation programme, or I fear for her life and safety,” he wrote.

The senator alleged that Regina went on a violent rampage at their home in his absence, attacking staff and destroying property.

“She slapped and hit three staff in the past 48 hours and destroyed property, including cars and windows, for no just cause.

“Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs,” the senator alleged

Nwoko said he had offered his wife two rehabilitation options in Asokoro or Jordan, “where she will not have access to drugs.”

He further alleged that the scene at home was worsened by the interference of Regina’s associates, whom he described as “drug suppliers.”

“While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier.

“Another known supplier of drugs to Regina is the tiny evil devil called Ann,” he alleged.

His post came hours after The PUNCH reported that a video of the actress, visibly agitated and shouting during a confrontation, had gone viral on Saturday, sparking widespread concern.

In the footage, Regina could be heard saying, “In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house, I am a Queen. Not again. I can’t stand the violence, it’s too much.”

Her brother, Ojeogwu Samuel Danhillman, popularly known as Sammy West, also reacted angrily on Instagram, accusing Nwoko of assaulting his sister and vowing to defend her.

“Anywhere wey man dey beat woman, whether na my sister or not, I go fight with my blood,” he wrote.

The cause of the altercation remains unclear, as neither Regina nor her representatives have publicly responded to Nwoko’s allegations.

Regina Daniels, who married Nwoko in 2019, has often been in the public eye alongside the politician and businessman.

The couple’s marriage, marked by a 40-year age gap, has long drawn public attention and debate.

Entertainment

Annie Idibia Finds Love Again

Published

4 days ago

October 19, 2025

Editor

It appears actress Annie Idibia may not remain single for long following the reported crash of her marriage to music icon, 2Face Idibia.

Fresh reports and social media activity suggest that celebrity stylist Jeremiah Ogbodo, popularly known as Swanky Jerry, may be the new man warming Annie’s heart.

The duo, who have shared a long and sometimes dramatic friendship, recently set the internet abuzz with a series of affectionate exchanges that fans have interpreted as more than just platonic.

In a post that has since gone viral, Swanky Jerry described Annie as “the most beautiful soul I’ve ever known,” while Annie responded with a heartfelt “I love you always, my person.”

Their public display of affection comes just months after Annie and 2Face’s marriage reportedly hit the rocks, following years of speculation about infidelity and emotional strain.

The actress, who had once described her marriage as “a rollercoaster of love, pain, and grace,” has lately been posting cryptic quotes about “peace, self-love, and fresh starts”.

Fans were quick to notice that Swanky, who was previously at odds with Annie during the Young, Famous & African reality show saga, has now returned to being one of her closest companions.

Their reconciliation, which started quietly earlier this year, now appears to have blossomed into something much deeper and possibly romantic.

Many online observers have expressed excitement over the pair’s chemistry, with some calling them “a perfect match” and others urging Annie to “choose happiness this time.”

Swanky Jerry, known for styling top celebrities across Africa, including Tiwa Savage, Davido, and Bonang Matheba, has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationship with Annie.

Still, his recent posts featuring the actress in glowing admiration have only intensified rumors of a budding romance.

The once “perfect love story” that captivated Nigerians for years now seems to have faded, paving the way for a new chapter in Annie’s personal life.

Whether or not Swanky Jerry and Annie Idibia are truly in love or just sharing a deep emotional bond remains to be seen.

Entertainment

Polygamy Can Keep The Peace At Home, Says Alibaba

Published

4 days ago

October 19, 2025

Editor

Veteran comedian Alibaba has weighed in on the subject of polygamy, arguing that beyond culture, it can serve practical purposes in modern society.

In an interview monitored by R, he explained that multiple marriages, in some contexts, help promote harmony in the home by encouraging cooperation and reducing conflict.

“There are people who believe that if a man has only one wife, he may not be able to manage her properly,” he said. “But when a woman knows there’s another wife in the picture, she calms down because she understands that if she misbehaves, someone else is there.”

Alibaba also drew from historical precedents, citing practices in places like Ibadan where women themselves sometimes facilitated polygamy to prevent infidelity and protect the family structure.

“I know a woman in Ibadan who encouraged her husband to marry another wife,” he recalled. “Back then, many women would find a younger girl and give her to the husband because they didn’t want him keeping concubines.”

He further referenced traditional customs where widows with young children were sometimes married to a late husband’s brother to ensure the children were cared for, a system he described as another socially driven form of polygamy.

While acknowledging that opinions are divided on the issue, Alibaba maintained that polygamy, in certain cultural and social contexts, still functions as a relevant and purposeful institution.