Africa took centre stage at the “BET Awards” 2025 as Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr clinched the Best International Act, and South African Amapiano duo TxC was crowned Best New International Act, marking a powerful moment for African music on the global stage.
“BET Awards” 2025 delivered an epic celebration of Black culture’s past, present, and future with its 25th anniversary show hosted by entertainment mogul Kevin Hart. Airing live from Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre, the milestone broadcast paid tribute to a quarter-century of Black excellence in music, film, television, and sports with unforgettable moments, tributes, and culture-shifting performances.
Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & GM, Paramount Africa & Lead BET International, shared his excitement: “Africa continues to be a driving force in shaping global culture. The wins by TxC and Ayra Starr are a testament to the continent’s creative excellence and influence. BET remains committed to celebrating and elevating African talent on the world’s biggest stages.”
The 106 & Park reunion brought a wave of nostalgia as hosts Free Marie Wright, Terrence J, Big Tigger, Keshia Chanté, and Julissa Bermudez took the stage. The celebration featured electrifying performances from 106 & Park-era icons, including former host Bow Wow a.k.a “Mr. 106 & Park,” Ashanti, Jim Jones, Amerie, Keyshia Cole, Mya, T.I., B2K and Jermaine Dupri.
Ultimate Icon Awards were presented to Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and Kirk Franklin, each honored with powerful performances and tributes:
- Mariah Carey delivered a dazzling set featuring DJ D-Nice, Anderson .Paak, and Rakim, and premiered her new single “Dangerous Type”. Busta Rhymes presented Mariah Carey with the Ultimate Icon Award, recognizing her prolific career and the blueprint she created for Hip-Hop collaborations.
- Snoop Dogg received his honor from Dr. Dre, and performed a West Coast medley with Charlie Wilson, Warren G, and Kurupt. He accepted his award alongside his wife Shante Broadus, and performed his hits, “Drop It Like It’s Hot”, “Nothin’ but a G Thang,” and Charlie Wilson joined him to perform “Beautiful” and “Outstanding.”
- Jamie Foxx, introduced by Stevie Wonder, was saluted by Babyface, Ludacris, Tank, Jennifer Hudson, Doug E. Fresh, and T-Pain before giving an emotional speech reflecting on his health journey. “When I was watching the memoriam, I was thanking God because that could have been me.”
- Kirk Franklin was presented with his Ultimate Icon Award by T.I. for his storied career. Following his acceptance speech, Franklin performed “Silver and Gold,“ “Smile,” “Revolution,” “Melodies from Heaven,” and “Stomp.” He was also joined on stage by Tamar Braxton, Jamal Roberts, Muni Long, and D.C. Young Fly.
Throughout this year’s ceremony, every moment served as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy and future of Black excellence. Watch an encore of “BET Awards” 2025, June 10 AT 7 pm WAT ON BET DStv Channel 129 and GOtv Channel 21. Relive and share every moment of the “BET Awards” 2025 available now on BET’s official YouTube page.
