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Tems emerged victorious at the 2024 BET Awards, while other Afrobeats stars such as Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Asake left empty-handed.
The ceremony, hosted by Taraji P. Henson at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, showcased African American culture and excellence across various categories.
Among the Afrobeats nominees, only Tems secured an award.
Ayra Starr, nominated in three categories, missed out on both ‘Best New Artist’ and ‘Best International Act’ awards, which were claimed by South African artist Tyla.
Additionally, the ‘BET Her Award’ went to American singer Victoria Monét, further defining the competitive landscape.
Burna Boy, another celebrated Afrobeats artist, faced stiff competition in two categories. Despite his nominations, he yielded ‘Best Male R&B/Pop Artist’ to Usher and ‘Best Male Hip Hop Artist’ to Kendrick Lamar.
Tems, nominated in two categories, clinched the prestigious ‘Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award’ for her single ‘Me & U’. Although she lost in the ‘Video Director of the Year’ category to American music video editor Cole Bennett.
Also among the nominees were Asake and Seyi Vibez, each recognized in one category. Asake lost the ‘Best International Act’ award to South African artist Tyla, while Seyi Vibez missed his debut BET nomination, the ‘Viewers’ Choice Best International Act’, to South African artist Makhadzi.
Here are some of the winners from other categories:
Album of the Year:
• Chris Brown, “11:11”
• Gunna, “A Gift & A Curse”
• 21 Savage, “American Dream”
• Usher, “Coming Home”
• Drake, “For All the Dogs (Scary Hours Edition)”
• Victoria Monét, “Jaguar II”
• Winner: Killer Mike, “Michael”
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist:
• Beyoncé
• Coco Jones
• Doja Cat
• H.E.R.
• Muni Long
• Winner: SZA
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist:
• Brent Faiyaz
• Bryson Tiller
• Burna Boy
• Chris Brown
• Drake
• Fridayy
• October London
• Winner: Usher
Best Group:
• 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne
• 41
• Blxst & Bino Rideaux
• City Girls
• Flo
• Maverick City Music
• Wanmor
• Winner: ¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $ign
Best Collaboration:
• Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar, “America Has a Problem (Remix)”
• Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice (With Aqua), “Barbie World”
• Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “Bongos”
• ¥$, 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”
• Winner: Lil Durk feat. J. Cole, “All My Life”
