Across the Diaspora: BET Awards 2025 Global Celebration of African Talent
- Sahndra Fon Dufe
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
No Borders, Just Vibes: Africa Takes the Spotlight at BET 2025
By Sahndra Fon Dufe | Black Film Wire
The 25th Annual BET Awards weren’t just a celebration of Black culture in the United States—they were a global homecoming. With 12 African artists nominated across major music categories, this year marked a high note for Afro-international representation in Black entertainment. From red carpets to cultural parties, the presence of African excellence was felt, seen, and most importantly, celebrated.
A Weekend of Afro-Global Celebration
The festivities kicked off with the WayMaker Men’s Summit, a two-day wellness event spotlighting Black men’s mental health. Read our full coverage here.
From there, the vibe turned celebratory. Friday night saw the BET African Artist Nominee Celebration at the Club Lagos LA pop-up—an Afro-Caribbean soiree in downtown Los Angeles, hosted to honor this year's African nominees. Intimate, vibey, and unforgettable, it set the tone for a weekend of cultural convergence.
Saturday: Industry Moves & Media Moments
Saturday morning brought the buzz to Quixote Studios for the official BET Radio Room (House of Media). This media lounge was where all domestic and international nominees stopped by for press, content capture, and spontaneous collabs. Sony’s new artist and BET International award nominee Abigail Chams floated in, and Black Sherif sightings sparked buzz despite his attendance being uncertain beforehand. Media outlets from across the diaspora lined up alongside emerging African blogs, while the Black Film Wire team captured exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Bonus Game Time
Saturday also brought a slam-dunk moment to the BET Experience with the BETX Celebrity Basketball Game at the Los Angeles Convention Center, hosted by Bow Wow. Stars like DC Young Fly, Chris Brown, Keke Palmer, Lil Meech, Serayah, and DeRay Davis laced up for a high-energy showdown that had the crowd on its feet. With buzzer-beaters, big laughs, and courtside fashion moments, it was the perfect prelude to a weekend full of cultural wins.
Later that evening, the BET 45th Anniversary Dinner, hosted by BET CEO Scott Mills, brought together a powerful cross-section of global Black excellence. Well-attended and expertly curated in partnership with Monde Twala and the BET International Africa team, the night was a tribute to legacy and future alike. Performances from Busta Rhymes, Muni Long, Lucky Daye, YG Marley, Adam Blackstone, Miles Caton, and 803 Fresh kept the energy high. It was an honor and a privilege to celebrate BET’s legacy in a room full of media legends, tastemakers, and visionary talent.
Saturday Night closed out with the highly anticipated Afrobeats Afterparty, in Hollywood, where international talent let their hair down and made powerful cross-cultural connections. Meanwhile, Jerk in Jollof hosted an epic celebration for all the African BET nominees—including Moliy, Black Sherif, Shaboozey, and TxC—bringing together music, culture, and spice in one unforgettable night.
Sunday at LA Convention Center
Sunday turned up the vibes with the BET Fan Fest at the LA Convention Center, where all the African nominees showed up to mingle with fans, take in live performances, and soak up the pre-show buzz. It was a joyful, high-energy moment that truly spotlighted the global reach of Black excellence.
Sunday Brunch & Empire After Dark
Though the location was under wraps, (at the W) Sunday’s brunch brought together African creatives and industry insiders for a laid-back networking session before the big night. Later, the Empire Music Group Party was the place to be—an unofficial BET afterparty with a heavyweight guest list. Black Sherif, Seyi Vibes and other Empire label’s artists were spotted making power moves while the rest of us tried to pretend we weren’t starstruck.
Monday: A Red Carpet of Global Style
On awards night, African stars did not disappoint. Ayra Starr turned heads- and won best international act at the BET Awards 2025. Other African nominees present included Any Gabrielly, Black Sherif, TXC, Abigail Chams, Amabbi, Ajuliacosta, Dr Yaro, Merville, Odeal, and KWN. And while some nominees couldn’t attend, the presence of the continent was undeniable. Thanks in part to Noah Omobolanle O., BET’s social and red carpet producer, international nominees were front and center, with media and camera crews ensuring they got their flowers.
African designers like Ugo Monye dressed stars who proudly repped the continent on the red carpet. From custom ankara-meets-modern tailoring to Afro-futuristic gowns, the aesthetic said what words couldn't: Africa is not coming; we are here. Artists like Moliy, TxC, Black Sherif, and Shaboozey incorporated their African heritage as well as easy elegance into their red carpet looks—balancing culture with cutting-edge style. Notable appearances also came from Swanky Jerry, Elmiene, and Abigail Chams, who each showcased a distinct flavor of Afro-glamour that spoke volumes without saying a word.
Afterparties: Where the Real Networking Begins
First stop: a flavorful detour to Jagaban’s, where Naija comfort food met late-night cravings—just seven miles from LA Live. They stayed open late just for us, and we’re so grateful.
But the night didn’t stop there. From Jamie Foxx’s exclusive soirée to Glorilla’s electric bash and Michael Blackson’s all-night rager, we partied our way through the city. Ultimately, we found ourselves posted up at Blackson’s wild and unforgettable affair. A weekend for the books.
A Salute to the Collaborators
This unforgettable experience wouldn’t have happened without the vision of individuals like Monde Twala (BET International – Paramount), Thabo Mpakati (BET International ), Terry Goodman, Adewole Lipede (Talent Executive) and Noah Omobolanle O. The entire BET International team brought warmth, organization, and real support to African press and talent.
Final Word
The BET International Experience 2025 was more than parties and red carpets. It was a powerful reminder that Black culture is a global force—and when we come together, borders dissolve. From Lagos to LA, the beat goes on.
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