FULL LIST: Burna Boy, Tems make 2026 MTV VMA nominees list

Nigerian music powerhouses Burna Boy and Tems have secured nominations at the prestigious 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). The nominations, announced Tuesday, highlight the global reach of Afrobeats and its artists on the international music stage. The awards ceremony is set to take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27.

Burna Boy, a Grammy-winning artist, received dual nominations for his contribution to the 2026 FIFA World Cup official song, "Dai Dai," a collaboration with Colombian singer Shakira. He is nominated in the Best Collaboration category for "Dai Dai," facing stiff competition from artists like Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, and Madonna. Additionally, "Dai Dai" has earned Burna Boy a nod in the Best Latin category, underscoring the song's cross-genre appeal.

Tems earned her nomination in the Best R&B category for her collaboration with British rapper Dave on the track "Raindance." She will compete against notable artists such as Bruno Mars and Chris Brown. This recognition further solidifies Tems's position as a leading voice in contemporary R&B.

While Nigerian artists continue to gain international acclaim, the absence of the Best Afrobeats category at this year's VMAs is notable. This category had previously recognized artists like South African singer Tyla, who won in 2025 and 2024, and Nigerian nominees including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, Tems, and Asake in past years. Madonna leads the 2026 nominations with 11 nods, followed by Taylor Swift with nine.