The 2026 BET Awards delivered a night of celebration, surprises and unforgettable performances as some of the biggest names in music, film, television and sports gathered at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Hosted by comedian Druski, the annual ceremony honoured Black excellence across entertainment while highlighting the evolving influence of global music. However, for many African music fans, particularly supporters of Afrobeats, the night ended in disappointment as Nigerian superstars Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tems and Asake failed to secure victories despite earning some of the ceremony’s most prestigious nominations.
Instead, the evening belonged to multi-talented entertainer Teyana Taylor and rap duo Clipse, who emerged as the biggest winners of the night with dominant performances across multiple categories.
Afrobeats Stars Fall Short
Heading into the awards, expectations were high that Nigeria’s leading music exports would once again leave a significant mark on the global stage.
Tems, who has enjoyed another stellar year internationally, received three nominations, making her one of the most nominated African artists at the event. She was shortlisted for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, the BET Her Award for her song First, and the Viewers’ Choice Award for Raindance, her collaboration with British rapper Dave.
Despite her impressive nominations, Tems was unable to convert any of them into wins. The Best Female R&B/Pop Artist award went to Kehlani, while Doechii and SZA claimed the BET Her Award with their inspirational anthem girl, get up. Mariah the Scientist secured the Viewers’ Choice Award for Burning Blue.
Nevertheless, Tems remained one of the standout attractions of the evening. Her live performance of What You Need captivated the audience and generated widespread praise across social media platforms, reinforcing her status as one of Africa’s most influential global music ambassadors.
Wizkid and Asake also experienced disappointment in the Best Group category. The Nigerian pair faced stiff competition but ultimately lost to Clipse, whose remarkable comeback year culminated in multiple victories.
Similarly, Burna Boy’s contribution to Gunna’s collaborative track WGFT was nominated for Best Collaboration but lost to Clipse and Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed Chains & Whips.
South African sensation Tyla also left the ceremony without a trophy despite nominations in both the Video of the Year and Viewers’ Choice categories, highlighting the intense competition that characterized this year’s awards.
Teyana Taylor’s Historic Night
While several international stars went home empty-handed, Teyana Taylor enjoyed one of the most successful nights in BET Awards history.
Already recognized as one of the entertainment industry’s most versatile talents, Taylor cemented her status as a cultural powerhouse by collecting multiple honors across different disciplines.
She won Best Actress, Video Director of the Year and the newly introduced Fashion Vanguard Award. Her achievements did not stop there.
In one of the evening’s most emotional moments, music icon Janet Jackson presented Taylor with the prestigious Icon of the Year Award, recognizing her contributions to music, film, fashion and visual storytelling.
The honor crowned a remarkable year for Taylor and positioned her among an elite group of entertainers celebrated not only for commercial success but also for their broader cultural impact.
Clipse Completes Stunning Comeback
Rap duo Clipse proved that longevity and artistic excellence remain powerful forces in hip-hop.
The group emerged as one of the ceremony’s biggest success stories, matching Taylor’s three-award haul and reminding audiences why they remain respected figures within the music industry.
Their album Let God Sort Em Out won Album of the Year, one of the most coveted honours of the evening. They also secured the Best Group award and won Best Collaboration for Chains & Whips featuring Kendrick Lamar.
The victories capped a remarkable comeback campaign and reinforced Clipse’s relevance in an increasingly competitive music landscape dominated by younger artists and streaming trends.
Kendrick Lamar Extends His Legacy
Kendrick Lamar continued his dominance in hip-hop by claiming Best Male Hip-Hop Artist for a record-extending ninth time.
Already considered one of the most influential rappers of his generation, Lamar added another chapter to his decorated career while also sharing in Clipse’s Best Collaboration victory.
His continued success demonstrates his enduring influence on both fans and critics and highlights his ability to remain at the forefront of the genre despite constant changes in the music industry.
Strong Showing for Kehlani and Emerging Stars
Singer-songwriter Kehlani enjoyed one of the most successful evenings among female artists.
She captured Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year for Folded, further strengthening her position as one of contemporary R&B’s leading voices.
Leon Thomas earned recognition as Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, while Cardi B once again showcased her dominance in rap by taking home Best Female Hip-Hop Artist.
British singer Olivia Dean emerged as one of the ceremony’s breakout stars after winning Best New Artist, signalling a bright future for the rising talent.
Film and Sports Categories Deliver Surprises
The awards also celebrated excellence beyond music.
In the film categories, Ryan Coogler’s blockbuster Sinners was named Best Movie. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his acclaimed performance in the film, defeating a strong field that included British-Nigerian actor Damson Idris.
Nigerian-born talents also experienced disappointment in the acting categories. Ayo Edebiri and Cynthia Erivo missed out on the Best Actress award, which ultimately went to Teyana Taylor.
In sports, basketball stars dominated the honours. A’ja Wilson claimed Sportswoman of the Year, while Jalen Brunson received Sportsman of the Year.
Honouring Industry Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the BET Awards continued its tradition of celebrating trailblazers who have shaped entertainment and culture.
Legendary artist Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, recognizing her transformative influence on music and social consciousness.
Veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone was honoured with the Ultimate Icon Award for her decades of leadership and contributions to the recording industry.
Host Druski also enjoyed a memorable evening, receiving the newly introduced Pulse Award in recognition of his growing cultural impact and popularity.
As the curtains closed on another memorable BET Awards ceremony, the night belonged unmistakably to Teyana Taylor and Clipse. While Afrobeats stars may have left Los Angeles without trophies, their nominations and performances underscored the genre’s continued global growth and influence. For fans across Africa, the focus now shifts to the future, with hopes that the continent’s music stars will once again challenge for top honours when the BET Awards return next year
