South African fast-rising music star Tyla has defeated the likes of Burna Boy, Ayra Starr and Tems to win the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
The award event was held on Wednesday at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, United States.
Tyla was announced the winner of the “Best Afrobeats” Music Video with her hit song “Water”.
The event, hosted by American rapper and singer Megan Thee Stallion, featured remarkable performances, memorable moments, and surprise victories across various categories.
Tyla was also nominated for Best R&B for “Water” and Best New Artist. SZA clinched the Best R&B category for “Snooze” while Chappell Roan won Best New Artist.
Tyla is officially the first African female artiste to win Best Afrobeats Music Video since the category was introduced in 2023. The inaugural winner was Rema’s Calm Down ft Selena Gomez.
This year’s lineup was just as competitive, featuring artists who have made significant strides in Afrobeats and the global music scene. Surprisingly, American singers Chris Brown and Usher made it to the nomination list in August.
The category’s star-studded nominees included Ayra Starr ft. Giveon with “Last Heartbreak Song,” Burna Boy with “City Boys,” Chris Brown for his collaboration with Davido and Lojay on “Sensational,” Usher for his track “Ruin” ft. Nigerian beatmaker Pheelz and Tems with “Love MeJeje.”
Upon receiving the iconic MTV Moon Person trophy, 22-year-old Tyla said in her speech, “This is such a big moment for African music. The global impact of’ Water’ on the world proves African music can also be pop music.”
In her acceptance speech, the Grammy award-winning singer addressed the growing interest in Afrobeats while emphasising the diversity of African music.
The South African-born singer stated that despite Afrobeats paving the way for Africans in the global music space, she identifies with Amapiano and the South African culture.
Tyla said, “This is so special but also bittersweet because I know there’s a tendency to group African artists under Afrobeats. Afrobeats have opened many doors for us, but African music is so diverse it’s more than just Afrobeats. I represent Amapiano and my culture. This is a shout-out to my fellow VMA nominees, Burna Boy, Tems, Lojay, and Ayra Starr. Africa to the world!”
.){kind=link}