Nigerian sensation Tems has been officially announced as one of the headline performers for the 2026 BET Awards, adding a powerful global dimension to what promises to be a landmark celebration of Black excellence in music, entertainment, and culture.
The announcement, shared widely across social media on June 17, has generated significant buzz among fans and industry insiders alike. Tems joins a star-studded first wave of performers that includes Cardi B, Doechii, Kehlani, Don Toliver, Rick Ross, T.I., Common, Jill Scott, Queen Latifah, and The War And Treaty. Rising R&B talent kwn is also set to appear on the BET Amplified stage.
The show, hosted by comedian and content creator Druski, will air live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
For Tems, born Temilade Openiyi on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, this performance represents another milestone in a career defined by boundary-breaking success. The 31-year-old singer-songwriter and producer first captivated audiences with her soulful, velvety vocals and introspective lyrics that blend Afrobeats, R&B, and alternative sounds.
Her breakthrough came in 2020 with a feature on Wizkid’s global hit “Essence,” which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 after a Justin Bieber remix and earned her a Grammy nomination.
Since then, Tems has become one of Africa’s most exported musical talents. She has collaborated with heavyweights including Drake on “Fountains,” Beyoncé on tracks from the Renaissance album, and Future and Drake on “Wait For U,” the latter securing her first Grammy win in 2023. Her solo work, including EPs For Broken Ears (2020) and If Orange Was a Place (2021), and her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, has showcased her evolution as an artist unafraid to explore vulnerability, resilience, and self-discovery.
Tems’ journey to stardom was not without its challenges. Raised primarily in Lagos after early years in the UK, she sang in church choirs as a child and studied Economics at Monash University in South Africa. Before committing fully to music in 2018, she worked a corporate job in digital marketing.
That leap of faith paid off when early singles like “Mr. Rebel” and “Try Me” began gaining traction. Her distinctive voice often described as deep, androgynous, and emotionally rich has set her apart in an industry crowded with flashier personas.
This year’s BET Awards hold special significance for Tems. She enters the ceremony with three nominations: Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, BET Her Award for “First,” and Viewers’ Choice for her collaboration with Dave on “Raindance.” She stands as the most-nominated African artist for the 2026 show, underscoring her growing influence.
Public Reactions
Industry observers expect her performance to be a highlight. Known for commanding stages with a mix of quiet intensity and raw power, Tems has delivered memorable sets at major events including the Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, and various festivals. Her ability to create an intimate atmosphere even in large venues often leaves audiences transfixed.
Fans on social media have already begun speculating about potential set lists, with many hoping for a mix of hits like “Free Mind,” “Crazy Tings,” and newer material that highlights her genre-defying style.
The BET Awards, now in its 26th year, remains one of the premier platforms for showcasing Black talent across genres. Broadcasting live on BET and streaming on various platforms, the show honors achievements in music while also recognizing excellence in sports, film, television, and community leadership.
Past editions have featured iconic performances that launched careers or cemented legends, from early breakthroughs by artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar to emotional tributes and surprise collaborations.
Tems’ inclusion speaks to the awards’ increasing embrace of Afrobeats and global Black sounds. Nigerian artists, in particular, have made strong showings in recent years, with figures like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Asake also receiving nominations this cycle.
Her presence alongside American heavyweights like Cardi B, who leads with six nominations, creates a dynamic cross-cultural dialogue on stage.
Beyond music, Tems has used her platform for advocacy. She has spoken openly about mental health, artistic integrity, and the importance of authenticity in the industry. Her fashion choices often bold, sculptural, and rooted in African aesthetics have also made her a red-carpet favorite and a source of inspiration for young creatives.
As anticipation builds for June 28, expectations are high for what Tems will deliver.
In a statement reflecting on her rapid rise, Tems has previously said her music is about telling stories that resonate universally. “I want people to feel seen,” she noted in past interviews.
That philosophy has clearly connected, turning her from a promising voice in Lagos to a performer poised to captivate millions on one of Black entertainment’s biggest nights.
Tickets for the Peacock Theater event are on sale, and viewership projections suggest another record-breaking broadcast.
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