Wizkid, Tems make history with BET 2022 nominations

Popular Nigerian singer, Ayodeji Balogun, better known as Wizkid, has broken another feat in the Nigerian musical hall of fame, as he was announced among the nominees for the Best Male RnB/Pop artiste at the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards 2022. This is the first time a Nigerian would be nominated for the category, in the 21-year history of the American awards platform.

Wizkid would duel veteran singers such as Chris Brown, Lucky Daye, Giveon, Yung Bleu and Blxst, in the heated category. Also, for the first time, another Nigerian Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, was nominated for the Best New Act, which sees her battle other superstars such as Baby Keem, Benny The Butcher, Latto, Muni Long and Yung Bleu; and also the Best Collaboration, alongside Wizkid, for their global smash hit, Essence.

These nominations are significant; this is the first time non-Americans would be considered for these sensitive categories. Prior to 2010, the BET was a strictly American affair; the category for Best International Act was created to recognise other black entertainers of non-American descent.

However, neither Wizkid nor Tems are American citizens, and so, the rationale for their nominations remain obscure from the public. Nonetheless, award platforms have the right to reset their nomination criteria, to reflect the realities of the dynamic global music industry.

Meanwhile, for this year’s edition, Tems and Fireboy also received nominations for the Best International Act category.

Founded in 2001, the BET is an American award show established by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate African Americans in music, acting, sports and other fields of entertainment over the past year. The 2022 BET Awards will take place on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at 8 pm and will be hosted by Hollywood star, Taraji P. Henson.