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

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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.

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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.

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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:

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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)

READ ALSO: (FULL LIST) Davido, Mohbad, Tems, Others Shine At 17th Headies Awards

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

READ ALSO: Full List Of Winners At Oscars 2025

Best New Artist

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  • 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

READ ALSO: Full List Of Diamond League Finals Winners

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.

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

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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.

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

READ ALSO:Brigadier-General, Other Officers Detained Over Alleged Coup Plot To Overthrow President Tinubu

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

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“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.”

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

READ ALSO:Why DSS Questioned Me Over Viral Threat Video — Lagos NURTW Boss

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

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“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.”

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READ ALSO:Why DSS Questioned Me Over Viral Threat Video — Lagos NURTW Boss

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.

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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.

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Annie Idibia Finds Love Again

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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.

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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.”

READ ALSO:PFN, CDHR, Lawyers Disagree Over Prison’s Beauty Pageant

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.

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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.

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READ ALSO:Annie Idibia Describes Hubby As God

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.

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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.

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Polygamy Can Keep The Peace At Home, Says Alibaba

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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.”

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READ ALSO:Top 10 Countries With The Most Billionaires In 2024

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.”

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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.

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