5 Nigerians nominated for NAACP Image Awards 2023

The awards, first presented in 1967, recognise outstanding accomplishments across music, television, film and literature. This year, they will be presented in three new categories within the broad motion picture, television and streaming categories, namely Outstanding Hairstyling, Outstanding Make-up and Outstanding Costume Design.

“Throughout the past year, we’ve witnessed black artists showcasing our history and uplifting values of progressive change, while redefining genres and bringing our stories to the forefront of entertainment in so many innovative ways,” NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson said.

“Black voices are necessary to continually inspire audiences around the world. We’re proud to once again provide a platform that both elevates and celebrates these voices through the 54th NAACP Image Awards.”

The 2023 edition will mark the return of an in-person format for the first time in three years.

Burna Boy was nominated in the Outstanding Male Artist category alongside Drake, Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar and Brent Faiyaz. The ‘Last Last’ singer will be also hoping to triumph in the Outstanding International Song category, whose other nominees include fellow Nigerians Wizkid, Fireboy DML, Davido and Tems.

Tems is also nominated twice in the Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary) category for her contribution to Beyoncé’s ‘Move’ and Future’s ‘Wait for U’, which is also in the running for Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song. Wizkid, too, has been nominated in the Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary) category alongside Chris Brown for the track ‘Cal Me Every Day’.

Meanwhile, Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar lead the nominations with five apiece.

View the complete list of nominees here.

Voting is ongoing here.