The 2026 BET Awards ended on a disappointing note for African music fans, as none of the continent’s biggest nominees managed to take home a trophy despite earning multiple nominations.
Held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, the star-studded ceremony celebrated outstanding achievements in music, film and sports, with several major artists competing across highly contested categories.
Among Africa’s leading nominees was Tems, who received three nominations for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, BET Her for First, and Viewers’ Choice for Raindance with Dave.
Although she also performed during the event, she was unable to secure a win in any of her categories.Burna Boy was nominated in the Best Collaboration category for wgft alongside Gunna, while Wizkid and Asake earned a nomination for Best Group.
South African singer Tyla also received a nomination in the Video of the Year category for Chanel. However, all four acts left the ceremony without an award.The night belonged to Clipse and Teyana Taylor, who emerged as the biggest winners with three awards each. Kehlani won Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Kendrick Lamar claimed Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, while Leon Thomas was named Best Male R&B/Pop Artist.
Despite Africa’s strong presence across several major categories, the continent failed to record a single victory at this year’s BET Awards.Selected WinnersAlbum of the YearWinner: Let God Sort Em Out — ClipseBest Female R&B/Pop ArtistWinner: KehlaniBest Male R&B/Pop ArtistWinner: Leon ThomasBest Female Hip-Hop ArtistWinner: Cardi BBest Male Hip-Hop ArtistWinner: Kendrick LamarBest GroupWinner: ClipseBest CollaborationWinner: Chains & Whips — Clipse & Kendrick LamarBest New ArtistWinner: Olivia DeanDr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational AwardWinner: Headphones — Lecrae, Killer Mike & T.I.BET HerWinner: girl, get up. — Doechii featuring SZAViewers’ ChoiceWinner: Burning Blue — Mariah the ScientistVideo of the YearWinner: Folded — KehlaniVideo Director of the YearWinner: Teyana “Spike-Tey” Taylor.
