The 2025 BET Awards nominations are here—and as always, they’ve ignited a firestorm of debate. While the lineup features many of music’s brightest stars, the list has left fans and critics alike buzzing over glaring omissions, particularly in the international categories.
As one of the most prominent platforms celebrating Black excellence across music, film, TV, and sports, the BET Awards have increasingly played a key role in highlighting African talent. But with this year marking the 25th anniversary of the ceremony, expectations were especially high—and some of the choices have raised eyebrows.
Davido’s Shock Exclusion: A Snub Too Big to Ignore
Arguably the most talked-about omission is Davido, one of Africa’s biggest music exports. The Nigerian superstar had a standout year with his Grammy-nominated album Timeless and a high-profile follow-up project, 5ive, which dropped in April 2025. Featuring collaborations with Chris Brown and Victoria Monét, 5ive debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard World Albums chart and received widespread acclaim for its sonic diversity and global appeal.
Add to that a sold-out world tour, with stops across Europe, North America, and the Middle East, and Davido’s 2025 resume reads like an award show no-brainer. His complete absence from the BET nominations has sparked frustration and confusion, particularly within the Afrobeats community.
Fans and industry figures have taken to social media to question how one of the continent’s most decorated and visible artists could be overlooked. The snub has rekindled concerns over transparency and fairness in international representation at award shows.
Ghanaian Artists Shut Out—Again
Also fueling controversy is the total exclusion of Ghanaian artists from this year’s nominations. Despite the global rise of acts like Black Sherif, Stonebwoy, and Sarkodie, no Ghanaian artist received a nod in any category.
The omission is especially striking in the Best International Act and Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act categories, which are often the most accessible avenues for African talent to be recognized. Ghana’s exclusion has reignited long-standing frustrations about unequal representation across African regions.
Ghana’s music scene has seen measurable growth in reach and influence, with artists consistently headlining global festivals, securing high-profile features, and commanding large international fanbases. Many feel the BET Awards’ oversight reflects a troubling pattern of narrow curation when it comes to African recognition.
Why These Snubs Matter
Beyond trophies and accolades, award shows like the BETs play a crucial role in shaping narratives around talent, culture, and influence. For African artists, a nomination—or lack thereof—can significantly impact their global visibility, brand opportunities, and perceived legitimacy in the international music space.
Moreover, snubs like Davido’s and the broader omission of Ghanaian artists point to deeper concerns around how African music is consumed, valued, and categorized by Western institutions. As African genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Afro-house continue to dominate global charts, expectations for fair representation are only growing.
Looking Ahead: June 30 and Beyond
The 2025 BET Awards will air live on June 30 from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, promising a milestone celebration of Black culture and artistry. As anticipation builds for performances, tributes, and surprises, the conversation around African inclusion and equity continues to gather momentum.
Will the ceremony itself make room for African performers on stage? Will the backlash around these omissions spark change in how nominations are determined? These questions will shape not just this year’s awards, but potentially the direction of future international recognition.
In an era where African artists are no longer emerging—but thriving globally—the demand for authentic, diverse, and balanced representation at cultural institutions like BET has never been louder.
Source: African Publicity