Nigeria’s leading music stars were unable to secure any awards at the 2026 BET Awards, with Asake, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Tems all missing out despite earning multiple nominations.
The star-studded event, held on Sunday at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles and hosted by comedian Druski, recognised outstanding achievements in music, film, television and sports. Teyana Taylor and rap duo Clipse dominated the night with multiple wins.
Tems received the highest number of nominations among the Nigerian artists, earning three nods. She was nominated for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, BET Her for her track First, and the Viewers’ Choice Award for Raindance, her collaboration with British rapper Dave.
However, Kehlani won Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Doechii and SZA took home the BET Her Award for Girl, Get Up, while Mariah the Scientist claimed the Viewers’ Choice Award with Burning Blue.
Although she did not win, Tems was one of the performers at the ceremony, delivering a live rendition of her 2025 single, What You Need.
Wizkid and Asake were also in the running for Best Group but lost to Clipse, who also collected Album of the Year for Let God Sort Em Out and Best Collaboration for Chains & Whips featuring Kendrick Lamar.
Burna Boy’s collaboration with Gunna on WGFT also failed to win in the Best Collaboration category.
South African singer Tyla was another notable African nominee who left the ceremony without an award after losing in both the Video of the Year and Viewers’ Choice categories.
It was also a disappointing outing in the film and television sections, as nominees of Nigerian and African descent failed to record any victories.
