Joseph Isangura
Tanzania’s music scene is celebrating a major win as Abigail Chams, a rising singer and multi-instrumentalist, has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 BET Awards.
The talented young artist earned a nod in the Best New International Act category, marking a key breakthrough moment not just for her, but for East African music as a whole.
The announcement, made on May 8, places Abigail among an elite group of emerging global stars including Nigeria’s Shallipopi, South Africa’s Maglera Doe Boy, and UK-based artist Odeal. This nomination reflects a growing trend of African artists making waves on international platforms, as global appreciation for Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other genres from the continent continues to surge.
The BET Awards, now in their 25th year, celebrate Black excellence in music, film, television, and sports. The 2025 edition will be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 9. It promises to showcase both global superstars and fresh voices shaping the future of entertainment.
In a heartfelt message posted on her Instagram, Abigail wrote:
“Blessings to GOD!! I am beyond grateful and blessed to be nominated at the BET International Awards! 🇹🇿 Thank you BET for recognizing young African talent.”
Leading this year’s BET Awards nominations is American rapper Kendrick Lamar, with 10 nods including Album of the Year for GNX and Video of the Year for Not Like Us. He is followed by artists such as Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla, all of whom received six nominations each.
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The highly anticipated Album of the Year category features some of the biggest names in the industry: Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow, and Kendrick Lamar’s GNX.
Abigail’s inclusion in the lineup continues a powerful trend of African artists gaining international recognition. Fellow stars like Rema, Ayra Starr, Tyla, and Black Sherif have helped pave the way, showing the world the richness and diversity of African music.
Born and raised in Dar es Salaam, Abigail is known for blending contemporary pop with local Tanzanian sounds, often drawing on her roots and musical upbringing. She plays multiple instruments, including the violin and piano, and has been a vocal advocate for youth empowerment and mental health awareness through music.
