A host of South African stars are among the hot favourites to win in tomorrow’s Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards in Los Angeles.
The 25th anniversary of the celebrated annual event will feature one of its strongest African showings, with a slate of South Africans and artists from the continent earning top nominations.
Among the standout South African nominees is Tyla, who has been recognised in the Best International Act category after a breakout year defined by huge global chart success and multiple accolades, including last week’s American Music Awards win in the Best Afrobeats category.
The 23-year-old pop-amapiano princess — who released her first single of 2025 on Monday, titled Bliss — performed at the New York Governor’s Ball on Friday and is gearing up for a new collaboration with Nigerian singer Wizkid. She will be competing in the same category as DJ Uncle Waffles (Lungelihle Zwane), 25, who is South Africa-based but will represent her birthplace of Eswatini. Eleven artists are vying for the award.
South Africa's strong contenders among the 11 nominees in the Best New International Act category include rapper and songwriter Maglera Doe Boy (Tokelo Moyakhe); dance-amapiano duo TxC (Tarryn Reid and Clairise Hefke); and producer and DJ Dlala Thukzin (Thuthuka Wandile Zindlovu).
Reid and Hefke told Sunday Times this week that when they first heard they had been nominated, they thought it was a prank.
"It finally sunk in when we got the call from our managers after the nominee announcements went live on the BET page.
"This nomination shows that the sound coming out of South Africa is on the right track. It gives a sense of approval that the world sees the beauty in our craft. It gives us a seat at a global table which we truly do deserve. Also, being the first African female DJ duo to be nominated is a win on its own!
"Artists are doing great things in our country and now everyone who works hard and stays consistent has a chance to showcase their talents globally as the world is looking closely as to what's happening within the music scene in South Africa."
Half-South African Doja Cat is nominated for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist.
Beyond South Africa, several artists from across the continent are also in contention. Nigerian singer Ayra Starr leads the African nominees with three nods: Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist and Best International Act.
Another Nigerian singer, Tems, received two nominations in the BET Her category for Burning and Hold On. Both featured on her debut studio album Born In The Wild.
Other African nominees include Nigeria’s Burna Boy, Rema, and Shallipopi; Ghana’s Black Sherif, Tanzania’s Abigail Chams and UK-based artists of African heritage including Odeal and Basky.
“At BET, we are proud to continue elevating and celebrating black excellence on a global scale, said Monde Twala, senior vice-president and co-general manager of Paramount Africa and Lead BET International.
“The 2025 nominations reflect the incredible creativity, influence and impact of African artists who are shaping culture and pushing boundaries.”
This year's awards will honour cultural icons Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx and Kirk Franklin with the BET Ultimate Icon Award, all of whom are expected to perform during the broadcast.
Hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, the show will feature performances by Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, GloRilla, Playboi Carti, and Leon Thomas.
Kendrick Lamar leads with 10 nominations, followed by Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla with six apiece.
The awards will be broadcast on BET Africa (DStv channel 129).
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