At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), South Africa’s rising star Tyla emerged victorious in the Best Afrobeats category, beating out fierce competition from Nigerian heavyweights Burna Boy, Tems, and Ayra Starr. The awards ceremony, held at the UBS Arena in Queens, New York, marked a significant moment for African music on the global stage.

After receiving the award from presenters Lil Nas X and Halle Bailey, Tyla expressed her heartfelt gratitude, calling her victory “a big moment for Africa.” Her hit single “Water” has resonated across continents, proving that African music can thrive in the mainstream. During her acceptance speech, she shared her pride in the global reach of her music, but also noted a subtle critique of the tendency to group all African artists under the Afrobeats genre.

“This is such a special moment, but also bittersweet,” Tyla said. “African music is so diverse, it’s more than just Afrobeats. But still, this win shows that our sound, our music, can be global.”

Her victory continues the legacy of African artists at the VMAs, following Rema’s win in 2023 for Best Afrobeats with his hit song “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez. Tyla’s triumph reflects a growing recognition of African artists beyond the Afrobeats genre, signaling broader acceptance of African music in the global pop arena.

Also, read; Chrisean Rock Officially Renames Her Son Amid Social Media Reactions

Elsewhere in the night, Taylor Swift dominated the ceremony with seven awards, tying for the most overall wins. Eminem, making his comeback, secured the most awards for a solo male artist, reinforcing his legacy.

Among the night’s highlights, Sabrina Carpenter won Best Song for her chart-topping hit “Espresso,” delivering an emotional speech thanking her fans for their unwavering support. Brazilian sensation Anitta lit up the stage with an electrifying performance, seamlessly blending her hits “Paradise,” “Alegria,” and “Savage Funk,” alongside DJ Khaled and Fat Joe.

Rock legend Lenny Kravitz followed with a powerful set, featuring classic hits like “Are You Gonna Go My Way” and “Fly,” leaving the audience in awe. Blackpink’s LISA made her solo debut at the VMAs, captivating fans with her singles “New Woman” and “Rockstar,” further cementing her global influence.

The night also celebrated hip-hop’s rich history, with LL COOL J paying homage to 40 years of Def Jam Records, delivering a performance that kept the crowd energized. Later, Flavor Flav presented gymnast Jordan Chiles with a special honor, rounding out an unforgettable evening at the 40th edition of the VMAs.

While Burna Boy, Tems, and Ayra Starr may have missed out on the top prize, Tyla’s win marked a significant step forward for African music, showcasing its ever-expanding influence on the world stage.