Tyla Wins ‘Best Afrobeats’ at MTV VMAs
South African star Tyla
At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), South African star Tyla clinched the ‘Best Afrobeats’ award with her hit song Push 2 Start. She triumphed over Nigerian heavyweights like Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, Wizkid, and Asake. Though she lost in the ‘Best Choreography’ category, Tyla’s victory highlights the growing global reach of African music.
Nigerian Stars Miss Out
Nigerian artists had a tough night. Burna Boy, nominated in the Video for Good category, and Ayra Starr, up for MTV Push Performance of the Year, left without awards. Despite their global recognition, Nigerian acts couldn’t secure wins this year, a reminder of the competitive nature of international platforms.
Global Highlights from the VMAs
The night’s biggest winners included Lady Gaga, who took home four awards including Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration with Bruno Mars, and Ariana Grande, who won three major awards including Video of the Year. Historic awards were also introduced: rap legend Busta Rhymes received the first Rock the Bells Visionary Award, while Ricky Martin was honoured with the inaugural Latin Icon Award.
What We Should learn
Tyla’s win carries key lessons for Nigerian creatives:
Consistency and Innovation: Beyond talent, consistent global visibility matters.
Collaboration: Tyla’s success shows the power of aligning with international markets.
Adaptability: Nigerian stars must adapt to changing trends in music marketing, visuals, and storytelling.
“Awards like the VMAs reminds us of that talent alone is not enough; strategy, innovation, and global reach are what turn music into a lasting legacy.”
While Nigerians didn’t secure wins this year, their presence shows Afrobeats’ global dominance. Tyla’s success is not a loss for Nigeria but a signal that Africa’s sound continues to rise. With renewed focus on creativity and strategy, Nigerian artists can continue shaping the world’s music stage.
