Ayra Starr Leads African Nominees at 2025 BET Awards with Three Nods, Becomes Most-Nominated African Artist

Nigerian music star Ayra Starr has made history as the most-nominated African artist at the 2025 BET Awards, earning three major nods ahead of the June 9 ceremony in Los Angeles.

The “Rush” singer is up for Best New Artist, Best International Act, and Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, marking a significant milestone in her fast-rising global career. Her triple nomination places her ahead of other African acts on this year’s list.

Ayra is joined by fellow Nigerian artists and African stars across various categories. Tems received two nominations in the BET Her category for her songs “Burning” and “Hold On”. Street-hop sensation Shallipopi made his BET debut with a nomination for Best New International Act.

In the Best International Act category, Ayra Starr is nominated alongside Rema (Nigeria), Black Sherif (Ghana), Tyla (South Africa), and Uncle Waffles (Eswatini), showing Africa’s continued influence on the global music scene.

Burna Boy, another Nigerian music heavyweight, earned a spot in the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist category, continuing his streak of international recognition.

Overall, American rapper Kendrick Lamar leads the nominations with 10, while Doechii, GloRilla, and Future follow with six nods each.

The 2025 BET Awards, which celebrate Black excellence in music, entertainment, and sports, will hold on June 9 in Los Angeles, bringing together some of the biggest names from across the globe.

See full list of nominations here.

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