MTV nominates Nigerian and Afrobeats stars Burna Boy and Tems for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, even as the awards organization removes the “Best Afrobeats” category after three editions. According to outlet reports, Burna Boy receives two nominations and Tems receives one, with both artists recognized across the main VMA nomination slate.
The outlets also highlight the controversy around MTV’s decision to drop the Best Afrobeats category. While the category is no longer part of the ceremony, the nominations show continued visibility for Afrobeats artists within other VMA categories. The coverage focuses on both the individual recognition for Burna Boy and Tems and the change to the category structure, but does not indicate that nominations are linked to restoring the removed category. Both reports present the same core outcome: nominations are secured, while the dedicated Afrobeats award is not.
Overall, the story centers on MTV’s updated VMA category lineup and what it means for artists in the Afrobeats space as the ceremony’s official nomination list moves forward.
