Tanzanian music sensation Abigail Chams has just scored one of the biggest nods of her career—a nomination at the 2025 BET Awards. But this isn’t just another milestone. Abigail stands out as the only female artist from East Africa to earn a spot on this year’s star-studded list of nominees, marking a proud moment for the region and for women in African music.
The BET Awards, now in its 25th year, continues to spotlight Black excellence across the globe. This year’s nominations, announced on May 8, shine a bright light on African music’s ever-growing global influence. And right at the heart of it is Abigail Chams—young, bold, and unmistakably East African—joining continental heavyweights like Nigeria’s Ayra Starr and Rema, Ghana’s Black Sherif, and South Africa’s Tyla.
Set to air live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on June 9 at 8 p.m. ET, the 2025 BET Awards promises to be a celebration of both legendary talent and fresh voices breaking barriers. Leading the pack this year is rap icon Kendrick Lamar with 10 nominations, including Album of the Year for GNX, and Video of the Year for his hard-hitting single “Not Like Us.” Following closely are Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla, each with six nods.
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But amidst all the global giants and mainstream names, Abigail’s nomination tells a different, equally powerful story—that of a young East African woman rising on her own terms. Known for blending Swahili sounds with global pop and R&B elements, her music speaks to a new generation while still honoring her roots. In an industry that often overlooks East African female voices, her recognition at this level feels like a breakthrough—not just for her, but for countless others coming up behind her.
The 2025 edition of the BET Awards is shaping up to be more than just a spectacle—it’s a reflection of how far African music has come, and how wide its reach continues to grow. Ayra Starr’s nomination in the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist category also signals Afrobeats’ lasting grip on the global stage, blending cultural depth with undeniable mainstream appeal.
For Abigail Chams, this moment is bigger than a trophy. It’s about visibility, representation, and shifting the narrative of who gets to stand on global stages. As the only female nominee from East Africa this year, she’s not just making history—she’s making space.
