Tems leads fan-vote Soul Train nominations

BET (Black Entertainment Television) has announced a couple of early nominations for the 2026 Soul Train Awards.

For the first time, fans will determine who takes home the awards in two categories: R&B/soul song of the year, and Spotify’s RNB X international artist.

Tems is the only artist nominated in both categories.

The multiple Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer, full name Temilade Openiyi, is up for the first of the two awards for her single What You Need.

She rose to fame after being featured on Wizkid’s 2020 hit single Essence and became the first African artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with Future’s Wait for U (featuring Drake) in 2022.

“We’re thrilled to put the vote in the fans’ hands for the first time,” Connie Orlando, EVP, specials, music programming and music strategy, BET, said in a statement.

“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 2026 Soul Train Awards in Chicago on 27 November.

Details of performers and more honorees will be announced in the coming weeks.

Here are all the nominees in the first two categories to be announced.

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

Spotify’s R&B x International Artist:

Cleo Sol

Flo

kwn

Odeal

Partynextdoor

Tems

Tiana Major9