Burna Boy, Tems earn 2026 MTV VMAs nominations (Full List)

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, scheduled for September 27 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, have highlighted the growing influence of Nigerian artists on the global music stage. Burna Boy and Tems, two of Afrobeats' most prominent voices, have both received nominations, underscoring their expanding international acclaim.

Burna Boy, renowned for his fusion of Afrobeat, dancehall, and reggae, earned two nods linked to his collaboration with Colombian icon Shakira. Their joint effort, "Dai Dai," was selected as the official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a testament to the track's worldwide appeal. The song secured nominations in the Best Collaboration and Best Latin categories, placing Burna Boy alongside a diverse array of artists spanning multiple genres and regions.

In the Best Collaboration category, Burna Boy and Shakira contend with high-profile pairings including Clipse with Kendrick Lamar and others, while the Best Latin category features a competitive roster of influential Latin music stars such as Bad Bunny and Karol G. These nominations reflect not only Burna Boy's versatile artistry but also the increasing fluidity between musical markets across continents.

Tems, another Nigerian talent who has risen to international prominence, received recognition in the Best R&B category for her work with British rapper Dave on the track "Raindance." This acknowledgment positions her alongside established R&B artists like Bruno Mars and Chris Brown. Tems’ nomination highlights her ability to bridge Afrobeat sensibilities with contemporary R&B, further cementing her as a global music force.

The 2026 VMAs nominations also emphasize the ongoing dominance of veteran artists in the industry. Madonna leads the pack with 11 nominations, followed by Taylor Swift with nine, demonstrating the awards’ balance between celebrating emerging talents and honoring longstanding icons.

Notably absent this year is the Best Afrobeats category, which in previous years has showcased the genre's rapid ascent on the international scene. South African singer Tyla, who won this category in consecutive years (2024 and 2025), alongside past winners like Rema and Selena Gomez, will not see this specific recognition in the upcoming event. The omission of this category this year marks a shift in the VMAs' approach to genre-specific awards.

Fans eager to participate in the voting process will have the opportunity to cast their votes daily in most categories until September 25. The ceremony itself will be broadcast live on CBS, with simultaneous streaming available on MTV and Paramount+, ensuring wide accessibility.

Since its inception in 1984, the MTV VMAs have been a barometer for trends in music videos and artist recognition, often celebrated with the iconic Moonperson trophy. The inclusion of artists like Burna Boy and Tems in key categories signals an ongoing diversification of the musical landscape honored by the awards.

As the anticipation builds for the live event, these nominations underscore the expanding reach of African artists in mainstream music, reflecting broader shifts in industry dynamics and the global exchange of musical styles and collaborations.