News

October, 6

Tems Leads First Fan-Voted Soul Train Nominations

BET has revealed the first batch of nominations for the 2026 Soul Train Awards, and for the first time the winners in two categories will be decided by fans: R&B/soul song of the year and Spotify's RNB X international artist.

Tems is the only act shortlisted in both. The Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer, whose full name is Temilade Openiyi, is nominated in the song category for her single What You Need.

She broke through after appearing on Wizkid's 2020 hit Essence, and in 2022 became the first African artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with Future's Wait for U, which features Drake.

"We're thrilled to put the vote in the fans' hands for the first time," said Connie Orlando, EVP, specials, music programming and music strategy at BET.

"From the biggest songs of the year to the artists taking R&B global, these categories show how far the genre reaches right now, and we can't wait to see where the votes land."

Anthony Anderson will host the ceremony in Chicago on 27 November. Performers and further honorees will be revealed in the coming weeks.

R&B/Soul Song of the Year:

Butterflies, Brent Faiyaz

I Just Might, Bruno Mars

It Depends, Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller

Who Knows, Daniel Caesar

Yukon, Justin Bieber

Folded, Kehlani

Is It a Crime, Mariah the Scientist feat. Kali Uchis

Man I Need, Olivia Dean

What You Need, Tems

Chanel, Tyla