Tyla Makes History as First African Female to Win Best Afrobeats Award at 2024 MTV VMAs

South African singer Tyla has made history as the first African female artist to win the Best Afrobeats Award at the MTV VMAs 2024. This milestone was achieved at the ceremony held on Wednesday night at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

Tyla's victory is notable not only for being the first win by a female African artist but also as the first VMA win for a South African artist.

In the Best Afrobeats category, Tyla's song "Water" outshone strong contenders including Ayra Starr featuring Giveon, Burna Boy, Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay, Tems, and Usher with Pheelz.

During her acceptance speech, Tyla remarked that her win was "just so special but also bittersweet," emphasizing her representation of "Amapiano." She noted, "African music is so diverse, and more than just Afrobeats," acknowledging the broader spectrum of African musical genres.

She expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you. MTV, my team, God, everyone, this is such a big moment for Africa. African music, guys. The global impact that 'Water' has had on the world proves African music can also be pop music.”

Tyla also highlighted her unique position, stating, “This is so special but also bittersweet, because I know there's a tendency to group African artists under Afrobeats. It's a thing and though Afrobeats has run things and has opened many doors for us, African music is so diverse, it's more than just Afrobeats.”

She concluded by acknowledging her peers: “I come from South Africa. I represent Amapiano. I represent my culture. I want to shout out to all the Afrobeats artists in this category with me. Shout out to Tems, Ayra Starr, shout out to Lojay, Rema, Whiskey, Burna Boy, all of us — and yeah, I love you guys, Africa to the world!”