In the ever-evolving world of music, the ability to strike at the perfect moment can define a career.
For Tanzanian songbird Abigail Chams, that moment is now. Just days before the 2025 BET Awards on June 9, where she is nominated for the prestigious Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act, Abigail prepares to drop her eagerly awaited new single, Hold Me, on June 6.
This release is Abigail’s first since her breakout hit Me Too, a song that not only dominated streaming charts but also became the most-listened-to track from East Africa on Spotify in 2025.
The timing of Hold Me is no accident. If Abigail triumphs at the BET Awards, the single could quickly become her victory anthem, riding a wave of international attention and streaming surges.
Abigail’s nomination itself marks a monumental moment. She is the first female artist from East Africa to be recognised in this category, a breakthrough that has sparked an outpouring of pride across Tanzania and the region.
From trending hashtags to official recognition in the Tanzanian Parliament, Abigail’s journey has grown into a national cultural milestone.
Speaking on the honour, Abigail says, “It is with deep humility and heartfelt gratitude that I thank my country, my government of Tanzania, for the incredible honour you have bestowed upon me today at the National Assembly (Bunge). Your support and encouragement mean the world to me,”
She adds, “The BET nomination marks a significant milestone for me.”
When Tanzanian music prodigy Abigail Chams received her nomination for Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act at the 2025 BET Awards, few could have predicted just how far the wave of support would reach.
From trending on social media to sparking conversations in the halls of Parliament, Abigail’s nomination has become a national and regional moment of pride.
In a historic acknowledgement, her name was officially mentioned in Parliament, recognising her as the first female artiste from East Africa to be nominated in the highly competitive BET category.
Members of Parliament applauded her achievement, emphasising the importance of supporting homegrown talent and celebrating Abigail as a cultural ambassador.
Backing for Abigail’s nomination has come from all corners of Tanzanian society.
Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa publicly supported the nationwide petition to vote for Abigail, urging Tanzanians to stand behind their star and help make history by bringing the award home.
Meanwhile, in a heartfelt video clip, former pop star and media personality Vanessa Mdee appealed directly to fans across East Africa.
“Being an artiste is not easy,” Vanessa said. “Being recognised in the BET Awards is not easy either. So I’m asking all of you to go to the BET page, like the photo of Abigail Chams, and vote until we make it clear. Let’s support our girl.”
Artistes rally behind “The Queen”
Abigail’s fellow artistes have also flooded timelines with encouragement, campaign videos, and personal appeals to fans to vote.
BET Award winner Rayvanny, known for putting Tanzania on the international map with his 2021 win, was quick to voice his support.
“This is for East Africa. This is for Tanzania,” Rayvanny said. “So please, vote for the queen. I believe she’s a winner who’s going to bring this award home.”
Konde Gang CEO Harmonize also joined the campaign, sharing video clips on his platforms and urging fans to show up in numbers. “We’ve got to support our own,” he said.
Other popular names such as Barnaba, Mimi Mars, and Young Lunya also used their platforms to rally voters, emphasising that winning this award would not just be a personal victory for Abigail but a historic win for Tanzanian music as a whole.
What started as a nomination has evolved into a full-blown cultural movement. Abigail’s recognition at the BET Awards has unified artists, fans, and leaders in a shared mission: to amplify East African talent on the global stage.
As the BET Awards celebrate their 25th anniversary on June 9, 2025, the event is anticipated to be a landmark occasion in Black entertainment, and a big moment for Tanzania with high-profile performances and tributes.
Leading the nominations is Kendrick Lamar with ten nods, including Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Album of the Year for GNX, and Video of the Year for Not Like Us.
Other top contenders include Doechii, GloRilla, and Drake, each with six nominations.
Comedian Kevin Hart returns as host, promising an evening filled with unexpected moments and entertainment.
Abigail’s nomination stands out as a significant achievement, marking her as the first female artiste from East Africa to be recognised in this category.
Her inclusion alongside such prominent figures underscores the growing influence of East African music on the global stage.
With just days left before the award ceremony on Monday, June 9, fans across the region are continuing to vote, comment, and share content in hopes of seeing their very own Abigail Chams raise the trophy.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: Abigail has already made history, and her journey is only just beginning.
