South African, Tyla wins Afrobeat.
The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) winners have been announced. The awards ceremony held on Wednesday at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, USA announced Tyla, a rising South African talent hit song “Water” as “Best Afrobeats” Music Video of the year beating Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Tems.
The event, hosted by American rapper and singer Megan Thee Stallion, included outstanding performances, unforgettable moments, and unexpected winners in a variety of categories.
Tyla was also nominated for Best R&B Song for “Water” and Best New Artist. SZA’s “Snooze” won Best R&B, while Chappell Roan won Best New Artist.
Tyla is the first African female artist to win Best Afrobeats Music Video since the category debuted in 2023. Rema’s Calm Down, featuring Selena Gomez, was the inaugural winner.
This year’s list was just as competitive, including artists that have made important contributions to Afrobeats and the global music landscape.
Surprisingly, American musicians Chris Brown and Usher made it into the nomination list in August.
The category’s star-studded nominees were 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 tune “Ruin” ft. Nigerian beatmaker Pheelz, and Tems with “Love MeJeje.”
Tyla, 22, said in her remarks after receiving the iconic MTV Moon Person trophy: “This is such a momentous moment for African music. The global significance of “Water” demonstrates that African music can also be mainstream music.
