The 2023 edition of the BET Awards took place on June 26, 2023, and once again, Afrobeats made a significant impact on the grand stage.
Nigerian artists shone brightly at the BET Awards, continuing their remarkable presence on the international music scene since the commercial rise of Afrobeats in the early 2000s.
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During the recently concluded 2023 BET Awards, Burna Boy and Tems added another prestigious BET award to their accolades. However, Asake, a first-time nominee, missed out on the Viewers Choice for Best International Act Award, which was instead awarded to fellow nominee Libianca.
8 Nigerian artists who have won BET awards
For those curious about other Nigerian superstars who have previously won the esteemed Black Entertainment Awards, here is a comprehensive list of Nigerian artists who have earned BET plaques in their collection:
- 2Baba
In 2011, 2Baba won the now-defunct BET Best International Act for Africa award. He claimed the honor for his outstanding achievements the previous year, highlighted by the release of his highly successful album, ‘The Unstoppable.’
- D’banj
Also in 2011, D’banj, who was Africa’s biggest artist at the time, led the global Afrobeats movement with his internationally acclaimed hit single ‘Oliver Twist.’ This achievement earned him the 2011 BET Best International Act for Africa award, which he shared with 2Baba.
- Ice Prince
In 2013, Ice Prince reached the pinnacle of the African music industry with his hit single ‘Oleku’ and debut album ‘Everybody Loves Ice Prince.’ This success led to his recognition and the BET Best International Act for Africa award.
- Davido
Following in the footsteps of 2Baba, D’banj, and Ice Prince, Davido received the BET Best International Act award in 2014. This accolade came after a remarkable year that saw him release chart-topping hits like ‘Aye’ and ‘Fans Mi.’ Davido further solidified his status by winning another BET award for Best International Act in 2018, thanks to his incredible run of hits in 2017.
- Falz
In 2016, Falz captivated audiences with his album ‘Stories That Touch,’ earning him the Viewers’ Choice for Best New International Act.
- Wizkid
Wizkid secured his first BET Award in 2017 after a remarkable international journey that commenced with his appearance on Drake’s ‘One Dance.’ In 2022, Wizkid won his second BET award for Best Collaboration with his global hit ‘Essence,’ featuring Tems and Justin Bieber.
- Burna Boy
Between 2019 and 2021, Burna Boy had a triumphant streak, winning three consecutive BET Best International Act awards. This feat followed his international breakthrough with the chart-topping hit ‘YE.’ In 2023, Burna Boy earned his fourth Best International Act plaque for his massive 2022 single, ‘Last Last.’
- Tems
In 2022, the exceptional talent, Tems, received the Best International Act award after gaining international recognition for her contributions to Wizkid’s ‘Essence,’ Future’s ‘Wait For U,’ and her work on the Oscar-nominated ‘Black Panther’ soundtrack, ‘Life Me Up.’ She also won the Best Collaboration awards in 2022 and 2023 for her involvement in ‘Essence’ and ‘Wait For U,’ respectively.
These Nigerian artists continue to shine on the global stage, making their mark and solidifying Afrobeats as a dominant force in the music industry.
