By Debra Ronoh
The list for the BET 2024 awards is out and Africa is making a huge statement.
Nigerians have truly dominated the list, with 7 of their top talents securing nominations, while South Africa managed to secure 4 spots. In total, 11 African artists have earned a well-deserved place on this prestigious list.
South Africa’s Tyla led the list with 4 nominations in the categories of Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, Viewer’s Choice Award, and Best International Act. Tyla won a Grammy award in February for the Best African Music Performance category, making it her first-ever Grammy award.
Nigerian sensation Ayrra Star comes in second targeting 3 awards in the Best New Artist, Best International Act and BET HER categories.
Burna Boy, the African Giant, and Tems both Nigerians come third with 2 nominations each in the Best Male Hip Hop and Best Male R&B/Pop Artist categories, and the Video Director of the Year and the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award categories respectively.
South Africa’s Makhadzi and Nigeria’s Asake are competing for an award in the Best International Act category while Makhadzi (South Africa), Tyler ICU (South Africa), and Seyi Vibes (Nigeria) are all battling for the Viewer’s Choice award.
In the meantime, Drake is at the forefront of this year’s list of nominees, receiving seven nominations, including one for Album of the Year with Nicki Minaj coming second securing six. J. Cole, Sexyy Red, SZA, and Victoria Monét each have five nominations. 21 Savage, Beyoncé, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyla and Usher each have four.
The 2024 BET Awards, hailed as Culture’s Biggest Night, is set to be televised live from Los Angeles on BET on Sunday, June 30, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. This year’s theme is Standing on Culture.