Nigerian music stars Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tems, and Asake ended the 2026 BET Awards without winning any awards. This happened despite their strong nominations at the ceremony on Sunday at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
The event, hosted by comedian Druski, celebrated achievements in music, film, television, and sports. American stars Teyana Taylor and the hip-hop duo Clipse were the big winners of the night.
The BET Awards started in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to honor Black entertainers and other minorities in various fields.
Nigerian artists had a strong presence in the 2026 nominations, but they lost in tough categories. This shows the growing influence of Afrobeats worldwide and the fierce competition on one of Black entertainment's biggest stages.
Tems received three nominations. She was nominated for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, BET Her for her song "First," and the Viewers’ Choice Award for "Raindance," her song with British rapper Dave.
But she lost to Kehlani for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. The BET Her Award went to "Girl, Get Up" by Doechii featuring SZA. Mariah the Scientist’s "Burning Blue" won the Viewers’ Choice Award.
Even though Tems did not win, she wowed the crowd with her live performance of 2025’s "What You Need."
Wizkid and Asake were nominated for Best Group but lost to the rap duo Clipse. Clipse also won Album of the Year for "Let God Sort Em Out" and Best Collaboration for "Chains & Whips" featuring Kendrick Lamar.
Burna Boy’s feature on Gunna’s "WGFT" did not win in the Best Collaboration category either. Clipse and Kendrick Lamar took that prize.
South African singer Tyla was nominated for Video of the Year with "Chanel" and the Viewers’ Choice Award but also left without winning.
The film and television categories were also disappointing for Nigerian and African talents.
Ayo Edebiri and Cynthia Erivo were both nominated for Best Actress, but Teyana Taylor won the award.
British-Nigerian actor Damson Idris lost the Best Actor award to Michael B. Jordan for his role in "Sinners."
No African artists won any awards at the 2026 BET Awards. This meant a total loss for all nominees.
Last year, Ayra Starr was the only Nigerian artist to win an award for Best International Act.
Teyana Taylor had a fantastic night, winning three competitive awards: Best Actress, Video Director of the Year, and the new Fashion Vanguard Award.
She also received the Icon of the Year award, presented by Janet Jackson, for her achievements in music, film, and fashion.
Clipse matched Taylor’s success with three wins, taking home Album of the Year, Best Group, and Best Collaboration.
Kendrick Lamar added to his record by winning Best Male Hip-Hop Artist for the ninth time. Kehlani won two awards for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year for "Folded."
Other notable winners included Leon Thomas for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, Cardi B for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, Olivia Dean as Best New Artist, and Ryan Coogler’s "Sinners," which won Best Movie.
Special awards were also given out. Music icon Lauryn Hill received the first Living Legend Icon Award. Veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone got the Ultimate Icon Award, while host Druski received the new Pulse Award.
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