South African singer Tyla has officially claimed global recognition after winning the Best Afrobeats Award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). The star beat Nigerian Afrobeats giants Burna Boy, Tems, Rema, and Asake to secure the win at New York’s UBS Arena on September 8.
The category for Best Afrobeats has become one of the most competitive in recent years, reflecting the genre’s global explosion. Tyla’s victory proves that South Africa is no longer just watching from the sidelines but actively shaping Afrobeats’ global future.
Her award-winning performance of “Push 2 Start” wowed fans and critics, cementing her as one of the fastest-rising stars of African music. Nigerian artists have long dominated the Afrobeats scene, but Tyla’s win is a strong statement that the genre is diversifying beyond West Africa.
Why Tyla’s VMA Win Matters for Afrobeats
This award highlights how Afrobeats is no longer just a regional sound but a global music movement. From Burna Boy headlining international festivals to Tems writing for Rihanna, and now Tyla winning at the VMAs, the genre continues to shape pop culture worldwide.
Related: See full list of 2025 VMA winners
You can also read about the 2024 VMAs winners on Billboard for comparison.
Fans React to Tyla’s Big Moment
On social media, many fans celebrated Tyla’s victory, while others debated whether Nigerian Afrobeats stars were “robbed.” The conversation proves that the category is now one of the most closely watched at the VMAs.
