Faith Nyasuguta
South African superstar Tyla has once again etched her name into music history, clinching the Best Afrobeats Award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). The 23-year-old sensation triumphed with her hit single Push 2 Start, beating some of Africa’s biggest names, including Nigerian powerhouses Burna Boy, Rema, Wizkid, Tems, and Asake.
The glamorous ceremony took place on Sunday night at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, with rap legend LL Cool J serving as host. Tyla’s victory marks her second consecutive win in this category, following her groundbreaking 2024 success with the global viral hit Water. This rare back-to-back achievement cements her position as one of Africa’s fastest-rising global stars and highlights the continued dominance of Afrobeats and African music on the international stage.
The night was filled with memorable moments. Pop icon Lady Gaga led the nominations with 12 nods and walked away with four awards, including the prestigious Artist of the Year. Ariana Grande captured the Video of the Year award for her uplifting anthem Brighter Days Ahead, while rising star Sabrina Carpenter bagged three awards, including Best Pop Artist.
The event also paid tribute to legendary artists. Mariah Carey received the coveted Video Vanguard Award, celebrating her decades of influence, and performed a powerful medley of her classic hits that had the crowd on its feet. Puerto Rican legend Ricky Martin was honored with the inaugural Latin Icon Award, while rap pioneer Busta Rhymes received the Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
The VMAs stage delivered high-energy performances from global stars such as Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Post Malone, J Balvin, and DJ Snake. One of the night’s standout moments came when Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt joined forces for a thunderous tribute to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne.
For many African fans, however, the spotlight was firmly on Tyla. Her success signals not only personal triumph but also the broader recognition of African artistry in mainstream global music. Afrobeats, once a niche genre, has now become a dominant force in pop culture worldwide.
As Tyla celebrated her win, she expressed gratitude to her fans across Africa and beyond, reminding the world that African music continues to shape the global soundscape. With her blend of Afrobeats, pop, and amapiano influences, Tyla is proving that her reign is only just beginning.
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