Black Sherif clinches nomination at 2025 BET Awards

Ghanaian music sensation, Black Sherif, has once again raised the nation’s flag high on the global stage, earning a nomination in the 2025 Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards.

The fast-rising artiste, known for his genre-bending sound and lyrical depth, has been shortlisted in the highly competitive Best International Act category.

The nomination places Black Sherif alongside a diverse lineup of top global acts including Tyla (South Africa), Rema and Ayra Starr (Nigeria), Any Gabrielly and Luanna (Brazil), Joé Dwèt Filé and SDM (France), Uncle Waffles (Swaziland), Ezra Collective and Basky (UK), and MC from Brazil.

This marks his first nomination in the main BET Awards, following his 2023 victory at the BET Hip Hop Awards, where he emerged as a standout international newcomer.

Black Sherif, born Mohammed Ismail Sherif Kwaku Frimpong, first burst onto the scene in 2021 with viral hits such as Second Sermon and Kwaku the Traveller.

His music, a fusion of drill, highlife, trap and Afrobeats, has resonated with audiences across Africa and beyond, thanks to his emotive storytelling and streetwise themes.

This latest recognition comes amid growing anticipation for his new album Iron Boy, which is already making waves across multiple streaming platforms and charting high in both Ghana and international markets.

The project, which delves into his personal struggles, aspirations, and reflections, has solidified his reputation as one of Africa’s most introspective and influential young artists.

Black Sherif’s nomination adds to Ghana’s rich history at the BET Awards. Pioneers like Kojo Antwi and later modern icons including Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, R2Bees, Kwesi Arthur, Camidoh, MzVee, Fuse ODG and D Black have all been recognised by the BET in previous years.

Sarkodie notably became the first recipient of the Best International Flow award in 2019, cementing Ghana’s place in global hip-hop.

The 2025 BET Awards ceremony is expected to take place in June in Los Angeles, USA, and will celebrate excellence across music, film, sports, and culture.