Teyana Taylor, Clipse lead BET Awards 2026 win as Nigeria’s Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tems, Asake miss •FULL LIST

•Wizkid, Asake, Tems, Burna Boy

Despite securing some of the night’s biggest international nominations, Nigerian music stars Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tems, and Asake failed to convert their nominations into victories at the 2026 BET Awards.

The ceremony, held yesterday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and hosted by comedian Druski, celebrated achievements across music, film, television, and sports, with Teyana Taylor and rap duo Clipse dominating the night’s honours, reports Channels TV.

For Nigerian fans, expectations were high after Tems, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Asake earned nominations in major categories, reflecting Afrobeats’ continued influence on the global music scene.

However, the awards ultimately went to other artistes.

Tems entered the ceremony with three nominations, competing for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, BET Her for her single First, and the Viewers’ Choice Award for Raindance, her collaboration with British rapper Dave.

Kehlani claimed the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist prize, while Doechii and SZA won the BET Her Award with girl, get up. Mariah the Scientist took home the Viewers’ Choice Award for Burning Blue.

Although she did not win, Tems remained one of the evening’s standout performers, delivering a well-received live performance of her ‘What You Need’ song.

Wizkid and Asake were also unsuccessful in the Best Group category, losing to Clipse, whose comeback year climaxed victories for Best Group, Album of the Year for Let God Sort Em Out, and Best Collaboration for Chains & Whips featuring Kendrick Lamar.

Burna Boy’s appearance on Gunna’s WGFT was nominated for Best Collaboration but lost to Chains & Whips, while South African star Tyla also left empty-handed despite receiving nominations for Video of the Year and the Viewers’ Choice Award for Chanel.

The disappointment extended beyond music. In the film categories, actresses Ayo Edebiri and Cynthia Erivo missed out on the Best Actress award, which went to Teyana Taylor. British-Nigerian actor Damson Idris was also beaten to the Best Actor prize by Michael B. Jordan for his acclaimed role in Sinners.

Taylor emerged as one of the defining figures of the ceremony.

Top Wins

Alongside receiving the prestigious Icon of the Year honour from Janet Jackson, she swept three competitive categories, winning Best Actress, Video Director of the Year, and the inaugural Fashion Vanguard Award.

Clipse matched Taylor’s three-award haul, while Kendrick Lamar continued his dominance by claiming Best Male Hip-Hop Artist for a record-extending ninth time.

Kehlani enjoyed a successful evening with victories for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year for Folded.

Other notable winners included Leon Thomas, who secured Best Male R&B/Pop Artist; Cardi B, who won Best Female Hip-Hop Artist; Olivia Dean, named Best New Artist; and Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, which received the Best Movie award.

The ceremony also celebrated industry trailblazers through a series of special honours. Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, legendary music executive Sylvia Rhone was presented with the Ultimate Icon Award, while host Druski took home the newly introduced Pulse Award.

2026 WINNERS FULL LIST

Album of the Year: Let God Sort Em Out — Clipse

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: Kehlani

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Leon Thomas

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Cardi B

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar

Best Group: Clipse

Best Collaboration: Chains & Whips — Clipse featuring Kendrick Lamar

Best New Artist: Olivia Dean

BET Her Award: girl, get up. — Doechii featuring SZA

Viewers’ Choice Award: Burning Blue — Mariah the Scientist

Video of the Year: Folded — Kehlani