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The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, held on September 11 at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, saw rising South African pop star Tyla clinch her
first VMA for Best Afrobeats Video. However, a brief moment during herVacceptance speech sparked unwarranted speculation online, which the
artist swiftly addressed.
As Tyla approached the microphone to deliver her speech, she requested assistance with the weighty Moonperson trophy. "I'm not strong enough,
please hold it for me," she said, handing it to presenter Lil Nas X. This innocuous gesture was misinterpreted by some viewers as a slight against co-presenter Halle Bailey.
Tyla took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to dispel the brewing rumors. "Y'all make everything weird... I was not asking my girl Halle... We just girls," she wrote, adding emphatically, "STFU I WON A VMAAAA." Bailey reciprocated the sentiment, responding, "Exactly love u babes congrats."
The 22-year-old artist's victory speech highlighted a crucial distinction in African music genres. "The global impact that 'Water' has had on the world just proves that African music can be pop music too," she remarked. She addressed the common misconception of grouping diverse African musical styles under the Afrobeats umbrella, stating, "Even though Afrobeats has run things and has opened so many doors for us, African music is so diverse. It's more than just Afrobeats. I come from South Africa. I represent Amapiano, I represent my culture."
Tyla's win reflects the growing global recognition of African music. Her self-titled debut album, released earlier this year, has positioned her as a leading ambassador for Amapiano on the international stage. In a previous interview with Rolling Stone, Tyla expressed her ambition: "I want to be the biggest pop star for the people back home... I'm trying to be that girl that opens that door."
The artist's VMA triumph marks a significant milestone in her career trajectory. Competing against established names like Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Tems in the Best Afrobeats category, Tyla's victory underscores the impact of her breakthrough hit "Water," released in July 2023.
As the dust settles, the focus rightfully returns to Tyla's achievement and her role in showcasing the diversity of African music to a global audience. Her win not only celebrates her individual success but also paves the way for greater recognition of various African musical genres on international platforms.
