Shallipopi Archives - Naija Premium Gist

Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Shallipopi, others bag nominations for 2025 BET awards

The 2025 BET Awards nominations have been unveiled with Nigerian artists leading the charge with several notable mentions.

Ayra Starr is the most nominated African artist, with three nods in the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act categories.

The 21-year-old singer has been making waves globally with her chart-topping releases and acclaimed performances.

Other Nigerian stars have also earned recognition, including Burna Boy and Rema, who are both nominated for Best International Act.

Burna Boy, a dominant force in the Afrobeats genre, has previously won this award four times.

Shallipopi, a rising star known for his street-hop sound, has been nominated for Best New International Act, representing a new wave of Nigerian talent gaining international attention.

Tems, a Grammy-winning singer, has also been nominated in the BET Her category for her powerful tracks “Burning” and “Hold On” from her debut album Born In The Wild.

The 2025 BET Awards ceremony will take place on June 9 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live on BET.

American rapper Kendrick Lamar leads the nominations with 10 nods, followed by other notable artists such as Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla.

Shallipopi vows to boycott next Headies Awards Edition

Afrobeats singer Shallipopi has vowed to boycott future editions of The Headies award ceremony after a disappointing experience at the 17th edition.

Shallipopi, who won the Best Rap Single award for his song “Cast,” was given only a handshake on stage, reportedly due to the organisers running out of award plaques.

“The next one if una see me make I bend,” he said.

Despite losing the Next Rated category to Odumodublvck, Shallipopi’s frustration stemmed from the lack of an award plaque.

He claimed he didn’t want the Best Rap Single award, stating he isn’t a rapper and suggested it should go to “real rappers” in the category.

He wrote: “I nor go even lie for una sef, I nor want that award. Give the real rappers wey dey the category. Me, Shallipopi I nor be rapper.”