The 2025 BET Award nomination has been eliminated and, as expected, has sparked a lot of conversation.
While some of the music’s famous people correctly claimed their place, some surprising omissions and unexpected nods made fans buzz.
The BET Awards have long been an important platform for celebrating the excellence of black people in music, film, television and sports, and enjoy an increasing reputation for focusing on international talent, especially international talents from Africa. But with the 2025 nomination now open, there is a conversation about certain unexpected inclusions, and, more surprisingly, a huge omission.
Heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar,,,,, doechii,,,,, Drake,,,,, szaand ayra trrrrrrr. Rightly received multiple nominations for ongoing impact and artistry, some notable absences surprised and disappointed fans and industry observers.
From the top of the rankings to the up-and-coming stars overlooking it, this is the biggest shock and neglect, shocking the 2025 BET Award nomination.
Davido Snub: Head Grabbing
Perhaps the biggest shock to the 2025 BET nomination is the complete absence of Nigerian superstars David. The omission is confusing considering Davido’s impressive run over the past year. His Grammy-nominated album is not only eternal Passing multiple global hit singles, but his recent project, 5iveIt has also caused waves since its debut in April 2025.
5ivewhich includes collaborations with international heavyweights Chris Brown and Victoria Monadebuted at No. 2 on the Billboard World Album Rankings and was praised for its range, sound and replay value. The album’s strong streaming numbers and active fan reception further cemented Davido’s position as one of Africa’s most influential and commercially successful artists.
Additionally, his recently concluded sold-out world tour made him an iconic venue and expanded his fan base in Europe, North America and the Middle East. Davido ticked all the boxes in terms of visibility, chart performance and cultural relevance in hopes of seeing the recognition of this year’s BET Awards.
Even a single nomination, he did not ensure that fans and industry observers were confused, reinspiring long-term dialogue about the standards of African delegates at the international awards stage.
Ghana’s exclusion: a regular pattern
Another obvious oversight is the complete absence of Ghanaian artists from the nomination list. Despite the booming music industry and a globally renowned star lineup Stoneboy,,,,, Sakodiand Black Sherifthere is no Ghanaian name in this year’s lineup.
This exclusion is particularly disappointing given the growing global reach of Ghana’s music industry. Artists from the country have become the title of international festivals in recent years, drawing role models around the world and contributing to cross-border cooperation with mainstream behaviors.
The lack of representation has sparked dialogue between the online and African entertainment circles, with content involving continued underrepresentation in certain regions on major reward platforms such as BET. Critics believe that while Nigerian artists have made incredible progress, there is a urgent need for a more inclusive display of diversity in African music, which reflects the full creative breadth of the continent.
Why is this important?
Award performances such as the BET Awards play a vital role in elevating artists to new audiences, confirming their contributions and validating their cultural impact. When the action of deserves is ignored, especially in the categories designed to focus on international talent, it not only feels like a missed opportunity, but also hints at an unbalanced playing field.
These snubs also underscore the complexity and politics of award nominations, in which case visibility, industry links, and sometimes external narratives may obscure pure merit. As Afrobeats, Amapiano and other African voices continue to break barriers globally, international platforms must upgrade by ensuring fair and balanced representation.
What’s next for African stars and awards ceremony representatives?
As the buzz of the 2025 BET Award nomination continues, the focus is now shifting to the main event that will be live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on June 30, 2025. This year’s ceremony is known for celebrating the best black culture in music, film, television and sports, and it’s the 25th prestigious award, a milestone anniversary that is expected to offer memorable performances, tributes and outstanding moments.
For African music, the conversations these nominations sparked are not only related to trophy, but also to visibility, verification, and the opportunity for African stars to shine on one of the largest platforms committed to black talent in the world. On the global stage, the dominance of Afrobeats, Amapiano and other African types means that these artists are no longer merely regional behaviors, they are global superstars who should be equally recognized by their counterparts in the United States, Britain and the Caribbean.
Industry viewers, fans and artists will all look closely at not only who won that night, but also the performance, celebration and recognition of African talent. Will this year’s radio make room for more African performances? Will the dialogue around inclusive and equitable representation affect future nomination lists? These are the questions of the narrative that begins on June 30.
For those who are eager to see how their favorite stars perform, here is a complete list of 2025 BET Award nominees.
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