Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, also known as the African Giant, went home empty-handed after losing out in two categories at the 2024 BET Awards.

Despite nominations in both the “Best Male R&B/Pop Artist” and “Best Male Hip-Hop Artist” categories, Burna Boy ultimately walked away empty-handed.

In the “Best Male R&B/Pop Artist” category, the award went to well-known R&B singer Usher. Other nominees included Brent Faiyaz, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Drake, Fridayy, and October London.

While Burna Boy’s music sound often blurs the lines between R&B and Afrobeats. Usher’s long-standing influence in the R&B world ultimately prevailed.

The “Best Male Hip-Hop Artist” category saw Burna Boy facing off against industry heavyweights like Drake, Future, Gunna, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and 21 Savage. The award ultimately went to lyrical powerhouse Kendrick Lamar.

Afrobeat’s Global Reach Undeniable

Although Burna Boy didn’t take home any awards this year, his nominations themselves show the growth of Afrobeats as a genre globally. Afrobeats has snagged nominations and awards at international award shows. A prime example is the highly coveted Grammys.

In 2021, Burna Boy won his first and only Grammy Award so far in the category of Best Global Music Album for his album “Twice As Tall.” This category, formerly known as Best World Music Album, recognises music from outside the mainstream United States music industry.

Burna Boy’s Continued Success

Burna Boy’s recent sold-out stadium shows in London Stadium shows how sought after he is as an artiste. He sold out the London Stadium which has a massive 80,000 capacity. He did this successfully not once, but twice.

Furthermore, Burna Boy is now Africa’s biggest touring artiste. He has an undeniable electrifying stage presence paired with his live band that follows him touring all around the world.

He continues to redefine what Afrobeats is. Recently, he has asked to not be referred to as an Afrobeats singer, but rather an Afro Fusion artiste.