Black Sherif Shines as Ghana’s Sole Contender for 2025 BET Awards Nomination

Written By : Ekow Adjei Mensah 

Ghanaian music sensation Black Sherif has once again elevated the nation’s presence on the global stage, securing a nomination for Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards. As the only Ghanaian contender in this year’s prestigious awards, the 23-year-old rapper, born Mohammed Ismail Sharrif, continues to fortify his reputation as one of Africa’s most dynamic musical talents.

Known for hits like SECOND SERMON and KWAKU THE TRAVELER, Black Sherif’s unique blend of drill, Afrobeat, and highlife has captivated audiences worldwide, earning him a spot among global heavyweights like Nigeria’s Ayra Starr and Rema, South Africa’s Tyla, and the UK’s Ezra Collective. This nomination marks his first at the main BET Awards, following a successful run at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards, where he clinched the Best International Flow category.

Black Sherif’s journey from the streets of Konongo-Zongo to international acclaim is a demonstration of his resilience and authenticity. Since bursting onto the scene in 2021, his raw storytelling and infectious rhythms have resonated with fans across Africa and the diaspora, amassing over a billion streams on Spotify and millions of views on YouTube. His 2025 BET nomination underscores his growing influence, as he competes against a diverse lineup of international stars, including Brazil’s Any Gabrielly and France’s Joé Dwèt Filé. Social media has been abuzz with pride, with fans celebrating his achievement as a win for Ghanaian music. Posts on X reflect the sentiment, with users hailing him as a trailblazer “flying the Ghana flag high” and a symbol of “hard work meeting recognition.

As the BET Awards approach on June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, anticipation is building for Black Sherif’s potential to bring home the award. Hosted by Kevin Hart, the 25th edition of the event promises to be a landmark celebration, and Black Sherif’s nomination adds to Ghana’s growing legacy in global music.

Following in the footsteps of compatriots like Sarkodie, who won Best International Flow in 2019, Black Sherif’s rise signals a bright future for Ghanaian artistes. Whether he wins or not, his nomination is a powerful reminder of the impact of authentic storytelling and cultural pride, inspiring a new generation of African artistes to dream big.