Entertainment

Teyana Taylor, Clipse Dominate 2026 BET Awards as Nigerian Stars Miss Out

By Nosa Akhimien

TEYANA Taylor and rap duo Clipse emerged as the night’s biggest winners at the 2026 BET Awards, while Nigerian music stars Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tems, and Asake were unable to convert their nominations into victories.

The ceremony, held on Sunday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and hosted by comedian Druski, celebrated achievements across music, film, television, and sports.

For Nigerian fans, expectations were high after Tems, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Asake secured 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.

Despite not winning, Tems remained one of the evening’s standout performers, delivering a well-received live rendition of her track What You Need.

Wizkid and Asake also missed out in the Best Group category, losing to Clipse, whose comeback year culminated in 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 went home 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.

Top Winners

Alongside receiving the prestigious Icon of the Year honour from Janet Jackson, Teyana Taylor 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 – Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
· Cardi B – Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
· Olivia Dean – Best New Artist
· Ryan Coogler’s Sinners – Best Movie

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 BET Awards – Full List of Winners