As the BET Awards celebrates 25 years of excellence, the Best International Act category reminds us that the pulse of Black music doesn’t stop at one continent. This year’s nominees are redefining genres, blending cultures, and dominating charts across the globe—from amapiano to Afrobeats, grime to French trap. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just catching on, these artists are the future of music—on any stage.

Let’s meet the stars who made the international list this year:

Already a household name, Rema is Afrobeats’ crown prince of cool. With global hits like “Calm Down” and a record-breaking remix featuring Selena Gomez, he’s redefined what it means to be an international pop star from Nigeria. Rema's futuristic beats, whispery flow, and genre-hopping sensibility have landed him on global charts, international festivals, and now—on the BET Awards stage. With co-signs from Wizkid and Don Jazzy, plus a style all his own, Rema isn’t just global—he’s generational.

Amapiano’s high priestess behind the decks, Uncle Waffles exploded onto the scene with viral DJ sets that blended house, Afro-tech, and hypnotic beats. Her sets aren’t just parties—they’re performances. With her signature dance moves, fearless fashion, and genre-bending mixes, she’s become a staple on stages from Coachella to AfroNation. She’s one of the few DJs nominated for this award—and she earned it with every beat drop and bassline.

Black Sherif’s voice sounds like heartbreak and protest at the same time. Mixing drill, trap, and highlife, his music feels like it’s always been here—and still sounds brand new. With breakout hits like “Kwaku The Traveller” and a deeply emotive debut album, Black Sherif has become the voice of Ghana’s street soul, blending traditional rhythms with contemporary angst. He’s not just rapping—he’s testifying.

Joé Dwèt Filé brings the romance—and the heat. A Haitian-French singer, his music fuses zouk, kompa, R&B, and Afro-swing into smooth, seductive ballads. Whether he’s crooning in French or vibing over Afro-Caribbean rhythms, Joé delivers pure vibes and international flavor. He’s a reminder that love songs don’t need translation when they sound this good.

London’s Ezra Collective is flipping jazz on its head. Mixing Afrobeat, hip hop, reggae, and grime into explosive live instrumentation, the group is redefining what jazz fusion means in a Black British context. They’re the kind of band that plays NPR Tiny Desk and a festival mosh pit in the same week—and that versatility makes them one of the most innovative acts in this lineup.

From performing with Now United to voicing Moana in Brazil’s Disney dub, Any Gabrielly is a multitalented star who's now making waves as a solo artist. Blending pop, Afro-Brazilian rhythms, and powerful vocals, she’s one of Brazil’s brightest young stars—and a trailblazer for Afro-Latina girls worldwide.

Bashy is rising fast in the UK grime and drill scene, but his flow is polished, and his style is cinematic. With storytelling that reflects diasporic experience, immigrant hustle, and raw lyricism, he’s repping a new voice in London’s ever-evolving soundscape. Expect to hear more of him very soon.

Brazilian funk queen MC Luanna brings street swagger and feminist fire to every track. Known for her hard-hitting beats and fearless lyrics, she represents a new generation of women in Brazil’s male-dominated funk scene. She’s bold, she’s loud, and she’s BET-ready.

SDM is one of the freshest faces in French trap and drill. With co-signs from Booba and a steady stream of hits, his gritty delivery and slick visuals have made him a standout in Europe’s rap scene. His sound is street, cinematic, and global—with Parisian edge.

Don’t miss the global takeover at the BET Awards 2025, airing live Monday, June 9 at 8PM ET/PT on BET.