The 2024 BET Awards nominees have been announced, and African artists are making an unprecedented impact. Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, and Tyla lead the charge, showcasing the vibrant talent coming from the continent. This year’s list reflects a growing recognition of African music on a global scale. Drake may lead the nominations with seven nods in major categories like Best Album, Best Male Pop Artist, and Best Collaboration but the dominance of African and Nigerian artists in categories traditionally segregated from international acts is the real story here. Burna Boy’s Landmark Nominations Burna Boy, known for his Afro-fusion sound, has once again proven his global appeal. He’s been nominated for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, making him only the second Nigerian artist to achieve this, following Wizkid in 2022. Burna Boy also made history by securing a nomination in the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist category, standing shoulder to shoulder with heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Lil Wayne. This nomination marks the first time a Nigerian artist (excluding Wale) has been recognized in this category. Ayra Starr: A Rising Star Ayra Starr has captured the spotlight with three nominations, making her the leading Nigerian artist on the nominee list. Her talent and influence continue to grow, and her recognition at the BET Awards highlights her as a significant force in the music industry. Tems: More Than Just a Voice Tems, another Nigerian powerhouse, has earned two nominations, including one for Video Director of the Year. Her versatility and creativity extend beyond her vocal performances, showcasing her multifaceted contributions to the music scene. Seyi Vibez and Asake: New Voices Rising Seyi Vibez, the street messiah, has been nominated for the Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act. This nomination underscores his growing popularity and the impact of his music. Meanwhile, Mr. Money himself, Asake, is in the running for Best International Act solidifying his status as a rising star on the global stage. Tyla: Leading the African Nominations Tyla leads the frontline for African artists with four nominations, reflecting her significant impact and the growing recognition of her work. Full List of Categories and Nominations at the 2024 BET Awards Album of the year Chris Brown, 11:11Gunna: A Gift & A Curse21 Savage, American DreamUsher, Coming HomeDrake, For All the Dogs (Scary Hours Edition)Victoria Monét, Jaguar IIKiller Mike, MichaelNicki Minaj, Pink Friday 2 Best Female R&B/Pop Artist BeyoncéCoco JonesDoja CatH.E.R.Muni LongSZATylaVictoria Monét Best male R&B/pop artist Brent FaiyazBryson TillerBurna BoyChris BrownDrakeFridayyOctober LondonUsher Best group ¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $ign2 Chainz & Lil Wayne41Blxst & Bino RideauxCity GirlsFloMaverick City MusicWanmor Best collaboration Lil Durk feat. J. Cole, “All My Life”Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar, “America Has a Problem (Remix)”Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice (With Aqua), “Barbie World”Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “Bongos”¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $ign feat. Rich The Kid, Playboi Carti, “Carnival”Lola Brooke feat. Latto & Yung Miami, “Don’t Play With It (Remix)”Nicki Minaj feat. Lil Uzi Vert, “Everybody”Usher, Summer Walker & 21 Savage, “Good Good”Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA, “Rich Baby Daddy” Best female hip-hop artist Cardi BDoja CatGloRillaIce SpiceLattoMegan Thee StallionNicki MinajSexyy Red Best male hip-hop artist 21 SavageBurna BoyDrakeFutureGunnaJ. ColeKendrick LamarLil Wayne Best new artist 414BatzAyra StarrBossman DlowFridayyOctober LondonSexyy RedTyla Video of the year Doja Cat, “Agora Hills”Lil Durk feat. J. Cole, “All My Life”Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice (With Aqua), “Barbie World”Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “Bongos”Drake feat. J. Cole, “First Person Shooter”Usher, Summer Walker & 21 Savage, “Good Good”Victoria Monét, “On My Mama”Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA, “Rich Baby Daddy” Video director of the year Benny BoomChild.Cole BennettDave MeyersJanelle Monáe & Alan FergusonOffsetTemsTyler, The Creator Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award Shirley Caesar, “Award All of the Glory”Kirk Franklin, “All Things”Halle Bailey, “Angel”CeCe Winans, “Come Jesus Come”Erica Campbell, Do You Believe in Love?”Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore, “God Problems”Tems, “Me & U”Kirk Franklin, “Try Love” Viewer’s choice award Doja Cat, “Agora Hills”Lil Durk feat. J. Cole, “All My Life”Gunna, “Fukumean”Jack Harlow, “Lovin on Me”Muni Long, “Made for Me”Victoria Monét, “On My Mama”Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA, “Rich Baby Daddy”Chris Brown feat. Davido & Lojay, “Sensational”Beyoncé, “Texas Hold ‘Em”Tyla, “Water” best international act Asake (Africa)Aya Nakamura (France)Ayra Starr (Africa)Bk’ (Brazil)Cleo Sol (UK)Focalistic (Africa)Karol Conká (Brazil)Raye (UK)Tiakola (France)Tyla (Africa) Viewer’s choice: best new international act Bellah (UK)Cristale (UK)Duquesa (Brazil)Holly G (France)Jungeli (France)Makhadzi (Africa)Oruam (Brazil)Seyi Vibez (Africa)Tyler Icu (Africa) BET Her Beyoncé, “16 Carriages”Nicki Minaj feat. Tasha Cobbs Leonard, “Blessings”Ayra Starr, “Commas”Flo feat. Missy Elliott, “Fly Girl”Megan Thee Stallion, “Hiss”Victoria Monét, “On My Mama”SZA, “Saturn”GloRilla, “Yeah Glo!” Best movie American FictionBob Marley: One LoveRenaissance: A Film by BeyoncéSpider-Man: Across the Spider-VerseThe Book of ClarenceThe Color PurpleThe Equalizer 3The Little Mermaid Best actor Anthony MackieColman DomingoDamson IdrisDenzel WashingtonDonald GloverIdris ElbaJeffrey WrightLakeith Stanfield Best actress Angela BassettAyo EdebiriCoco JonesDanielle BrooksFantasiaHalle BaileyIssa RaeRegina King YoungStars Award Akira AkbarBlue Ivy CarterDemi SingletonHeiress Diana HarrisJabria McCullumJalyn HallLeah JeffriesVan Van Sportswoman of the Year Award A’ja WilsonAngel ReeseCoco GauffFlau’jae JohnsonJuju WatkinsNaomi OsakaSha’carri RichardsonSimone Biles Sportsman of the Year Award Anthony EdwardsGervonta DavisJalen BrunsonJalen HurtsKyrie IrvingLebron JamesPatrick MahomesStephen Curry