After taking up the Best Afrobeats Award at the MTV VMAs 2024, South African artist Tyla remarked, “This is special but also bittersweet—I represent Amapiano.”
Tyla, a singer from South Africa, made history on Wednesday, September 11, at the MTV VMAs 2024, held at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, by winning the Best Afrobeats Award.
She created history by becoming the first South African and female artist to win a VMA.
After defeating fierce opposition from Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Chris Brown with Davido and Lojay, Tems, and Usher with Pheelz with her song “Water,” Tyla won the Best Afrobeats category.
Tyla referred to her victory as “just so special but also bittersweet” in her acceptance speech because she represents “Amapiano.”
“African music is so diverse,” she asserts, going beyond merely Afrobeats.
I’m grateful. MTV, my group, God, all of you—this is really significant for Africa. Folks, this is African music. Water’s worldwide influence demonstrates that pop music may also originate from Africa.
I know there’s a trend to lump African musicians together under the umbrella of Afrobeats, which is why this is so unique but also melancholy. It exists, and even though Afrobeats has dominated society and given us many opportunities, African music is much more than just Afrobeats.
“My origins are in South Africa. I speak for Amapaniano. I am a cultural representative. I would like to thank all of the Afrobeats musicians who are in this category with me.
I love you guys, Africa to the world! Shout out to Tems, Ayra Starr, Lojay, Rema, Whiskey, Burna Boy, and all of us!
With a cheeky tongue flick, she said, “Stream my album Tyla, and thank you again.”
The Greatest Category of Afrobeats
Tyla, the winner of “Water”
“Last Heartbreak Song” by Ayra Starr featuring Giveon
“City Boys” – Burna Boy
Chris Brown – “Sensational” featuring Davido and Lojay
Tems: “I Love You, JeJe”
Pheelz and Usher – “Ruin”
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