Ghanaian music sensation Black Sherif has missed out on the 2025 BET Award for Best International Act, with the honour going to Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr. The highly anticipated ceremony took place on Monday, June 9, 2025, in Los Angeles and featured some of the most prominent names in global music.
This year marked Black Sherif’s second BET nomination, having first appeared on the international radar in 2023 in the Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act category. His 2025 nod placed him among ten top-tier global talents, including Nigeria’s Rema, South Africa’s Tyla, UK’s Ezra Collective, and Brazil’s Any Gabrielly.
Despite not taking home the award, Black Sherif’s nomination is a testament to his rising global profile. Since his breakthrough with “Second Sermon”, he has performed sold-out shows across Europe and the United States, while also collaborating with international superstars such as Burna Boy. His critically acclaimed 2023 album, The Villain I Never Was, further cemented his position as one of Africa’s most compelling voices.
Fans and industry insiders expressed mixed emotions after the announcement—disappointment over the outcome, but pride in Black Sherif’s continued representation of Ghanaian music on the world stage. His presence at such a prestigious global event underlines his enduring impact and the international recognition of his artistry.
Meanwhile, Ayra Starr’s win adds another milestone to her rapidly rising career. Known for hits like “Rush” and “Bloody Samaritan”, the Nigerian star has become a dominant force in Afrobeats and beyond, especially among Gen Z listeners across Africa and the diaspora.
The 2025 BET Awards also showcased a diverse slate of winners, reinforcing its mission of celebrating Black excellence worldwide. In music, Kendrick Lamar emerged as a dominant force, winning Album of the Year (GNX), Best Collaboration, Video of the Year, and Best Male Hip Hop Artist. Other big winners included SZA (Best Female R&B/Pop Artist), Doechii (Best Female Hip Hop Artist), and Leon Thomas (Best New Artist).
In film and entertainment, Denzel Washington was crowned Best Actor, while Cynthia Erivo took home Best Actress. Blue Ivy Carter, daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, won the Young Stars Award, further proving the BET Awards’ commitment to honouring talent across generations.
Despite the outcome, Black Sherif’s presence among elite international talents reaffirms Ghana’s growing influence in global music. As his star continues to rise, fans remain optimistic that the “Kwaku the Traveller” hitmaker will return to future international stages with even more accolades in sight.
