Tyla Becomes The First South African Artist To Win A VMA

Tyla has made history yet again by becoming the first South African artist to win an MTV Video Music Award. 

On Wednesday, the renowned singer won the 2024 MTV Video Music Award for her mega-hit, 'Water' in the Best Afrobeats category at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

When accepting her award, she first expressed gratitude to her supporters, her team, MTV, and God, as well as expressed the moment's significance for Africans.

"This is such a big moment for Africa and African music", Tyla stated.

She spoke on the diversity of African music as well as the global impact of 'Water'.

"This is just so special, but also bittersweet because I know there's a tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeats. It's a thing, and even though Afrobeats has run things and has opened so many doors for us, African music is so diverse, it is more than just Afrobeats."

Tyla concluded by expressing her pride in being South African, the culture, and representing Amapiano. She gave a shoutout to the nominees under the Best Afrobeats category with her, mentioning Tems, Ayra Starr, Lojay, Wizkid, Burna Boy. 

"Africa to the world!", she proudly explained.

The full list of nominees under the category include Giveon (with Ayra Starr), Burna Boy, Chris Brown with Davido and Lojay, Tems, and Usher with Pheelz.

Watch Tyla's acceptance speech below:

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