The 2018 BET Awards are set for June 24, and the full list of nominees has been announced.
Ghanaian stars Sarkodie and Stonebwoy—who won Best International Act Africa in 2012 and 2015 respectively—did not receive nominations this year. However, UK-based Ghanaian rapper Stormzy made the cut.
Stormzy, born Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr., is of Ghanaian heritage and is widely known as a leading figure in English grime and hip-hop.
He will be competing against Davido (Nigeria), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Tiwa Savage (Nigeria), Fally Ipupa (DRC), Distruction Boyz (South Africa), Stefflon Don (UK), J Hus (UK), Niska (France), Dadju (France), and Booba (France).
At just 24, Stormzy has already won Best Grime Act at the MOBO Awards in both 2014 and 2015 and was highlighted on the BBC’s Sound of 2015 list as an artist to watch. His breakout track “Shut Up,” originally a YouTube freestyle, became a BPI platinum hit and climbed to number eight on the UK Singles Chart after he campaigned for it to become the Christmas number one.
His debut album, Gang Signs & Prayer, released on February 24, 2017, became the first grime album to top the UK Albums Chart.
Many fans had anticipated nominations for Stonebwoy and Sarkodie, who recently took home major wins at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
This year’s BET nominees were chosen across 20 categories by BET’s Voting Academy, which includes respected figures in television, film, music, digital media, sports journalism, public relations, creative arts, and dedicated fans.
The BET Awards will broadcast live from Los Angeles on June 24.
