2023 Bet Awards: Best International Act Nominees

The BET Award for Best International Act was first introduced in 2010 to highlight talents outside of the United States. Between 2011 and 2017, the category was split into two — Africa and the UK. However, since 2018, the award has become a more inclusive one. Accordingly, the 2023 BET nominees for the Best International Act include acts from all over the globe.

This year’s BET Awards will be held on June 25 in Los Angeles. These are the 10 artists up for the International Act award.

Aya Nakamura (France)

The recently announced nominations mark Aya Nakamura’s third time being recognized for the BET Award for Best International Act. Her first two nominations came as a result of her second and third albums, Nakamura and Aya, respectfuly. The French R&B singer earned her third nod due to her stellar fourth album, DNK. Nakamura released two singles, “SMS” and “Baby”, ahead of the album's release, which made waves across Europe, particularly France. As was the case for her previous albums, DNK performed very well on the French Album chart, as well as the Belgian and Swiss charts.

Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

Ayra Starr’s rise to fame began in 2021 with the release of her eponymous debut EP. After gaining momentum, she eventually released her debut album, 19 & Dangerous, only a few months later. By 2022, she had become a huge sensation. Ayra Starr’s music is predominantly R&B and Afrobeats. Her 2022 single “Rush”, propelled her into the European market, and she eventually worked with Kelly Rowland for a remix to her song, “Bloody Samaritan”. “Rush” would also eventually peak at the 24th spot on the UK Singles chart. This is her first nomination.

Burna Boy (Nigeria)

Burna Boy needs no introduction as far as the BET Awards go. The global sensation is no stranger to the BET Award for Best International Act. He famously pulled off a trifecta by taking the award three years in a row in 2019, 2020, and 2021. In the same vein as his previous works, his most recent album, Love, Damini was released in 2022 to critical acclaim. Straightaway, it became the highest-charting African album on the Billboard 200 upon its release. Love, Damini famously housed the popular single, “Last Last” and also featured other prominent artists like J Hus, Kehlani, Ed Sheeran, Khalid, and Blxst.

Central Cee (UK)

Oakley Caesar-Su, better known as Central Cee is a London-born rapper. In 2022, Central Cee became the first UK rapper to achieve one billion Spotify streams in a year. This was thanks to his viral hits “23”, “Doja”, “One Up” and “Let Go." His latest EP No More Leaks arrived in October. This is his first-ever nomination for Best International Act at the BET Awards.

Ella Mai (UK)

English singer Ella Mai made a successful crossover into the US market with her global hit single “Boo’d Up”. Following the release of her acclaimed sophomore album, Heart on My Sleeve, she has earned her first BET Award nod for Best International Act. The album features notable names, including Ty Dolla Sign, Latto, Roddy Rich, and Lucky Daye.

Ko (South Africa)

Ntokozo Mdluli, better known as K.O, started off as a member of the Hip Hop group, Teargas. Today, he’s made his name as one of South Africa’s most interesting rappers. Furthermore, his fourth album, Skhanda Republic 3 was released to critical acclaim. The lead single “SETE” was widely praised and became one of the most admired tracks of 2022.

L7nnon (Brazil)

Brazil’s L7nnon, also known as L7, enjoyed a massive breakthrough in 2022. He’s not only an accomplished rapper and rising star but is also a brilliant skateboarder who's trying to go pro. L7nnon released several singles that took off in his native Brazil, including “Ai Preto” and “Facilitei." He is also the third Brazilian nominated for the Best International Act award, following Emicida and Ludmilla’s nods in 2021 and 2022.

Stormzy (UK)

Stormzy is unarguably one of the UK’s most recognized rappers. He’s been nominated for the BET Award for Best International Act twice in the past. These nods came after his first and second albums, Gang Signs & Prayer, and Heavy is the Head. Stormzy’s third album was titled This Is What I Mean and released in late 2022. It earned critical acclaim for its genre-infused tracks and intimacy. The project has spurred his third nod for the award.

Tiakola (France)

William Mundola, popularly known by his moniker Tiakola, is a French rapper. The rising star rose to fame in his native country as a member of the R&B and Hip Hop group, 4Keus. As the group is currently on a hiatus, Tiakola has gained even more fame as a solo artist. His debut album Mélo eventually hit the top spot on the French Album charts. Mélo featured several notable French rappers, including Hamza, Niska, Gazo, and more.

Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)

Uncle Waffles has been dubbed the “Princess of Amapiano”. This title is due to her infectious beats and swagged out style. The Eswatini-born DJ and producer has made South Africa her home and is gradually taking the continent of Africa by storm. Throughout Uncle Waffle’s career, she became an international sensation who performed across the globe. She is also the first amapiano act to play at Coachella. “Tanzania”, her debut single, became a huge hit, and was recently used by Beyoncé in a dance break during her Renaissance World Tour.

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