Biggest shockers and snubs from the 2025 BET Awards nominations revealed

The 2025 BET Awards nominations are out, and as expected, they’ve stirred up plenty of conversation.

While some of music’s biggest names rightfully claimed their spots, a few surprising omissions and unexpected nods have left fans buzzing.

The BET Awards have long been a vital platform for celebrating Black excellence in music, film, television, and sports, with a growing reputation for spotlighting international talents, particularly from Africa. However, with the 2025 nominations now public, conversations have erupted over some of the unexpected inclusions and more strikingly, the glaring omissions.

While heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, Drake, SZA, and Ayra Starr rightfully earned multiple nominations for their consistent impact and artistry, some notable absences have left fans and industry watchers both surprised and disappointed.

From chart-toppers left off the list to rising stars overlooked, here’s a breakdown of the biggest shockers and snubs shaking up the 2025 BET Awards nominations.

The Davido snub: A head-scratcher

Perhaps the biggest shock of the 2025 BET nominations is the complete absence of Nigerian superstar Davido. The omission comes at a puzzling time, considering Davido’s impressive run over the past year. Not only did his Grammy-nominated album Timeless deliver multiple global hits, but his recently released project, 5ive, has also made waves since its debut in April 2025.

5ive, which features collaborations with international heavyweights like Chris Brown and Victoria Monét, debuted at number 2 on the Billboard World Albums chart and has been praised for its range, sound, and replay value. The album’s strong streaming numbers and positive fan reception further cemented Davido’s position as one of Africa’s most influential and commercially successful artists.

Adding to this is his recently concluded sold-out world tour, which saw him headline iconic venues and expand his fanbase across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. In terms of visibility, chart performance, and cultural relevance, Davido ticked all the boxes for what one would expect to see acknowledged by the BET Awards this year.

That he did not secure even a single nomination leaves fans and industry observers baffled, reigniting long-standing conversations about the criteria for African representation on international award stages like BET.

The Ghanaian exclusion: A recurring pattern

Another glaring oversight is the complete absence of Ghanaian artists from the nominations list. Despite a thriving music industry and a roster of globally recognized stars like Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, and Black Sherif, no Ghanaian name appeared in this year’s lineup.

This exclusion is particularly disappointing given the growing global reach of Ghana’s music scene. In recent years, artists from the country have headlined international festivals, charted globally, and contributed to cross-border collaborations with mainstream acts.

The lack of representation has sparked conversations online and within African entertainment circles about the persistent underrepresentation of certain regions on major award platforms like BET. Critics argue that while Nigerian artists have made incredible strides, there’s a pressing need for African music’s diversity to be more inclusively showcased, reflecting the continent’s full creative breadth.

Why does this matter?

Award shows like the BET Awards play a crucial role in elevating artists to new audiences, affirming their contributions, and validating their cultural impact. When deserving acts are overlooked, especially in categories designed to spotlight international talent, it not only feels like a missed opportunity but also suggests an uneven playing field.

These snubs also highlight the complexities and politics of award nominations, where visibility, industry connections, and sometimes external narratives can overshadow pure merit. As Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African sounds continue to break barriers globally, international platforms must rise to the occasion by ensuring fair and balanced representation.

What’s next for African stars and Award show representation??

As the buzz around the 2025 BET Awards nominations continues, attention now shifts to the main event, set to air live on June 30, 2025, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Known for celebrating the very best of Black culture in music, film, television, and sports, this year’s ceremony marks the 25th edition of the prestigious awards, a milestone anniversary expected to deliver memorable performances, tributes, and standout moments.

For African music, the conversation sparked by these nominations isn’t just about trophies, it’s about visibility, validation, and the opportunity for African stars to shine on one of the biggest platforms dedicated to Black talent worldwide. The growing dominance of Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African genres on the global stage means these artists aren’t just regional acts anymore, they’re global superstars who deserve equal recognition alongside their counterparts from the U.S., U.K., and the Caribbean.

Industry watchers, fans, and artists alike will be closely observing not only who wins on the night but also how African talent is presented, celebrated, and acknowledged. Will this year’s broadcast make room for more African performances? Will the conversations around inclusivity and fair representation influence future nomination lists? These are the questions shaping the narrative as the countdown to June 30 begins.

For those eager to see how their favorite stars fared, the full list of 2025 BET Awards nominees is available here.

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