South African singer-songwriter Tyla recently made headlines by clinching the Best Afrobeats award for her track 'Water' at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards held at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. This marked Tyla's first MTV VMA win, and she used the platform to shed light on the diverse landscape of African music.
The 2024 VMAs introduced the 'Best Afrobeats' category last year, recognizing the genre's global impact and relevance. The inaugural nominees included top Afrobeats artists from West Africa, with Rema emerging as the first winner. This year, artists like Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Davido, Tems, Tyla, and Usher were nominated, sparking discussions about genre categorization.
One notable concern was the inclusion of non-Afrobeats artists like Chris Brown and Usher in the category. While their songs featured Afrobeats elements, they are not primarily associated with the genre. This raised questions about accurate genre representation and the oversimplification of African music.
Tyla's win brought attention to the distinction between Afrobeats and Amapiano, a genre she represents. Amapiano, originating from South Africa, has gained global recognition for its unique sound and dance culture. Artists like DJ Maphorisa, Major League DJz, and Uncle Waffles have played pivotal roles in popularizing Amapiano on the international stage.
During her acceptance speech, Tyla emphasized the diversity of African music beyond Afrobeats, highlighting the need for accurate genre classification. Artists like Tems, known for hits like 'Essence' with Wizkid, and Ayra Starr, who made history with a Grammy nomination, continue to showcase the breadth of African musical talent.
The recognition of African music's broad appeal and varied genres is crucial for representing the continent's rich musical heritage. Tyla's win at the 2024 MTV VMAs serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the diverse voices within African music.
