South African sensation Tyla made waves once again at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), where she honored Afrobeats for its role in elevating African music on the global stage. Winning both Best Afrobeats and Best African Act, Tyla outshined industry heavyweights like Asake, Rema, Burna Boy, and Tems, proving her rising influence in the music world.
Tyla’s Shout-Out to Afrobeats
While accepting the award for Best Afrobeats Act, Tyla expressed gratitude to the genre, saying, “Thank you to Afrobeats. It has opened many doors for African music.” This statement, delivered with her younger sister by her side, is being seen as a nod to the genre’s impact on African artists reaching international recognition.
A New Perspective After a Controversial VMA Moment
Tyla’s recognition of Afrobeats at the EMAs comes after a controversial moment earlier this year at the VMAs. During her Best Afrobeats award acceptance there, Tyla identified herself as an Amapiano artist—a distinction that raised eyebrows, as her winning hit, “Water,” heavily draws from Afrobeats elements. Her recent EMA speech is being viewed as a thoughtful acknowledgment of Afrobeats’ role in shaping the global music landscape for African artists.
Her acceptance at the EMAs has been widely applauded, with many seeing it as a fitting salute to Afrobeats, which has brought African rhythms and talent to the global stage, breaking down barriers and setting new standards.
MTV EMA 2024: Major Winners
Here’s a look at the top winners from the 2024 MTV EMAs:
• Best Song: Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso
• Best Video: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – Fortnight
• Best Artist: Taylor Swift
• Best Collaboration: LISA ft. Rosalía – NEW WOMAN
• Best New: Benson Boone
• Best Pop: Ariana Grande
• Best Afrobeats: Tyla
• Best Rock: Liam Gallagher
• Best Latin: Peso Pluma
• Best K-Pop: Jimin
• Best Alternative: Imagine Dragons
• Best Hip-Hop: Eminem
• Best R&B: Tyla
Tyla’s shout-out to Afrobeats at the EMAs showcases her growth and recognition of the genre’s power to uplift African artists. It’s a thrilling time for African music, with Tyla and other artists driving a movement that promises to keep African rhythms echoing across the world.
