Tyla gives credit to Afrobeats for opening doors for African Music

Tyla edged Asake, Rema, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, and Tems for the Best Afrobeats prize. She also beat Ayra Starr, DBN Gogo, Diamond Platnumz, and TitoM & Yuppe to the Best African Act.

During her acceptance speech for the Best Afrobeats Act, Tyla gave a shout-out to Afrobeats for opening doors for African music.

“Thank you to Afrobeats, It has opened many doors for African music,” she said on stage flanked by her younger sister.

Tyla’s decision to give the VMAs a crash course on distinguishing African mainstream pop music was considered to be in bad taste, especially since her song ‘Water’ was largely an Afrobeats song.

Her decision to give Afrobeats its deserving props at the 2024 EMAs has been applauded as a sober appreciation of what the genre and movement has done for African acts.

See the full winners list at the 2024 EMAs below.

Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso

Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – Fortnight

LISA ft. Rosalía – NEW WOMAN