Los Angeles, USA – Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, emerged as the only Nigerian winner at the 2024 Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards. The awards ceremony, which aired live from Los Angeles on Sunday, June 30, through Monday, July 1, celebrated black entertainers and other minorities in music, film, sports, and philanthropy.
Tems clinched the award for ‘Best Gospel/Inspirational Song’ with her 2024 release, ‘Me & U’. She triumphed over notable nominees Halle Bailey and Kirk Franklin, who were recognized for their respective works, ‘Angel’ and ‘All Things’.
A host of Nigerian artists had been nominated for various categories this year. Damini Ogulu (Burna Boy), Ahmed Ololade (Asake), Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe (Ayra Starr), Tems, David Adeleke (Davido), Lekan Osifeso Jr. (Lojay), and Balogun Afolabi Oluwaloseyi (Seyi Vibez) were among the nominees. Ayra Starr led with three nominations for ‘Best New Artiste’, ‘Best African Act’, and ‘Best HER’, while Burna Boy received two nominations for ‘Best Male Hip Hop Artiste’ and ‘Best Male R&B/POP Artiste’. Tems was also nominated for ‘Best Video Director’ and ‘Best Gospel/Inspirational Song’. Davido and Lojay were in the running for the ‘Viewers Choice Award’ for their roles in Chris Brown’s ‘Sensational’. Asake and Seyi Vibez were nominated for ‘Best International Act’ and ‘Best New International Act’ respectively.
Despite their multiple nominations, Tems was the only Nigerian artist to secure a win this year.
The full list of winners includes:
Album of the Year
- WINNER: Michael – Killer Mike
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
- WINNER: SHA
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
- WINNER: Usher
Best Group
- WINNER: ¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $ign
Best Collaboration
- WINNER: “All My Life” – Lil Durk Feat. J. Cole
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
- WINNER: Nicki Minaj
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
- WINNER: Kendrick Lamar
Video of the Year
- WINNER: “On My Mama” – Victoria Monét
Video Director of the Year
- WINNER: Cole Bennett
Best New Artist
- WINNER: Tyla
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
- WINNER: “Me & U” – Tems
Viewer’s Choice Award
- WINNER: “Water” – Tyla
Best International Act
- WINNER: Tyla (Africa)
Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act
- WINNER: Seyi Vibez (Africa)
BET Her
- WINNER: “On My Mama” – Victoria Monét
Best Movie
- WINNER: Bob Marley: One Love
Best Actor
- WINNER: Denzel Washington
Best Actress
- WINNER: Regina King
YoungStars Award
- WINNER: Blue Ivy Carter
Sportswoman of the Year Award
- WINNER: Angel Reese
Sportsman of the Year Award
- WINNER: Jalen Brunson
Tems’ achievement at the BET Awards marks a significant milestone in her career, further establishing her as a prominent figure in the global music industry.
