Tyla Calls Best Afrobeats VMAs Win "Bittersweet" Because of the "Tendency to Group All African Artists Under" the Genre
The South African star took home the Moonperson for her global hit "Water."
South African star Tyla has had a major year since the viral release of her hit "Water"—and she couldn't be more proud to bring African music across the globe.
At the 2024 MTV VMAs on Wednesday, September 11, the singer won the Best Afrobeats award for "Water." While accepting the Moonperson, she took the opportunity to share how proud she is to represent her home continent, as well as the "tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeats."
After taking the stage, she sweetly asked the presenters to hold onto her award, joking, "I'm not strong enough," and then went into her thoughtful speech. "The global impact that 'Water' has had on the world just proves that African music can be pop music too," she began.
"This is just so special, but also bittersweet because I know there's a tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeats," Tyla continued. "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's more than just Afrobeats."
The 22-year-old musician then spoke about how she specifically makes amapiano music, or a South African genre that fuses house, jazz, and the '90s-originated sound known as kwaito. "I come from South Africa. I represent amapiano, I represent my culture," she said, before going on to shout out some of her peers and others nominated in the Afrobeats category. "Africa to the world," she added.
Others in the Best Afrobeats category included Ayra Starr featuring Giveon for "Last Heartbreak Song," Burna Boy for "City Boys," Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay for "Sensational," Tems for "Love Me JeJe," and Usher for "Pheelz."
Tyla was among this year's first-time nominees. Aside from Best Afrobeats, she's also up for the coveted Best New Artist award, as well as Best R&B for "Water."
Stay In The Know
Select the newsletters you’d like to receive. Then, add your email to sign up.
The hitmaker released her self-titled debut studio album in March to critical acclaim.
Sadie Bell is the Senior Culture Editor at Marie Claire, where she edits, writes, and helps to ideate stories across movies, TV, books, and music, from interviews with talent to pop culture features and trend stories. She has a passion for uplifting rising stars, and a special interest in cult-classic movies, emerging arts scenes, and music. She has over eight years of experience covering pop culture and her byline has appeared in Billboard, Interview Magazine, NYLON, PEOPLE, Rolling Stone, Thrillist and other outlets.
-
Taylor Swift and Corset Tops Are the Real Love Story
She's worn some form of lingerie-inspired apparel all season.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Ella Purnell Is Killer As a Vengeful Murderer in 'Sweetpea'—Here's What to Know About the Cast of the Must-Watch Series
You're going to want to binge the new Starz dark comedy.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Where Did All the Size-Inclusive Fashion Go?
Spring 2025's runways glorified thinness to a troubling degree.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Becky G Shares What Music Shaped Her—And What's on Her Playlist Now
With her new album 'Encuentros' out soon, the Latin star opens up about her musical preferences for the 'Marie Claire' series "Listen Up."
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Taylor Swift Had the Sweetest Dedication to Travis Kelce During Her VMAs Acceptance Speech
“Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic,” Swift said after winning the Video of the Year award.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Chappell Roan Lights Up the 2024 MTV VMAs Stage—With a Literal Flaming Arrow
The theme of the night is Joan of Arc realness.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Chappell Roan Dedicates Best New Artist Win at the 2024 MTV VMAs to the "Queer and Trans People That Fuel Pop"
"I see you, I understand you because I'm one of you," the singer said while accepting the coveted award.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Makes Out With an Alien While Performing a 'Short n' Sweet' Medley at the 2024 MTV VMAs
The superstar brought sexy back to space.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Post Malone Lauds Taylor Swift for Directing the "Fortnight" Video While Winning Best Collaboration at the 2024 MTV VMAs
The superstars gushed over each other while accepting the first award of the night.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Chappell Roan Tells a Photographer to "Shut the F--k Up" As She Arrives on the 2024 MTV VMAs Red Carpet
The singer had some words for the eager paparazzi at the award show.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
beabadoobee Shares What Music Shaped Her—And What's on Her Playlist Now
The singer opens up about her listening habits, including her penchant for playing Maroon 5 at parties.
By Sadie Bell Published