At the 2025 BET Awards held on June 9 at the Peacock Theatre in L.A. Live, Kendrick Lamar was the most nominated artist and emerged as the biggest winner, taking home five awards from ten nominations.
During the live telecast, Lamar won the prestigious Album of the Year for GNX. He also received awards for Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Best Collaboration for “Luther” with SZA, Video of the Year for “Not Like Us,” and Video Director of the Year alongside Dave Free.
Nigerian Afropop sensation Ayra Starr was the only African winner at the event, capturing the Best International Act award, marking a significant milestone for West African representation on a global platform.
However, hopes for other African nominees like South Africa’s Dlala Thukzin and Nigeria’s Shallipopi were dashed, as the Best New International Act award went to Brazil’s Ajuliacosta. Burna Boy, nominated for Best Male Hip Hop Artist, lost out to Lamar, while Ayra Starr was surpassed by American Leon Thomas in the Best New Artist category.
The evening showcased memorable wins across various categories. Below is the complete list of winners:
Winners at the 2025 BET Awards:
Album of the Year
- WINNER: GNX — Kendrick Lamar
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
- WINNER: SZA
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
- WINNER: Chris Brown
Best Group
- WINNER: Future & Metro Boomin
Best Collaboration
- WINNER: “Luther” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
- WINNER: Doechii
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
- WINNER: Kendrick Lamar
Video of the Year
- WINNER: “Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar
Video Director of the Year
- WINNER: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Best New Artist
- WINNER: Leon Thomas
Best International Act
- WINNER: Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Best New International Act
- WINNER: Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
BET Her
- WINNER: “Heart of a Woman” — Summer Walker
Best Movie
- WINNER: Luther: Never Too Much
Best Actor
- WINNER: Denzel Washington
Best Actress
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- WINNER: Cynthia Erivo
Young Stars Award
- WINNER: Blue Ivy Carter
Sportswoman of the Year Award
- WINNER: Angel Reese
Lamar’s clean sweep reaffirms his dominance in global Black music, while Ayra Starr’s win for Best International Act highlights the growing recognition of African talent.
SOURCE: PULSE GHANA
