Tyla's MTV VMA Win: A Bittersweet Triumph For African Music

Holifil

01 Apr, 2025

Tyla claimed her first-ever MTV VMA award for her global hit song Water
She expressed mixed feelings about the win due to the tendency to categorize African artists solely under Afrobeats
Fans worldwide celebrated her victory, hoping it marks the beginning of a long string of accolades

Let’s talk about Tyla, the incredibly talented South African singer who just made history at the 2024 MTV VMAs. On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Tyla took home the Best Afrobeats award for her chart-topping hit, "Water." This moment wasn't just a win for Tyla—it was a big step forward for African artists on the global stage. But as you'll see, there’s more to this story than meets the eye.

Tyla has won her first MTV VMA award for 'Water.' Image: Gilbert Flores Source: Getty Images

Tyla's MTV VMA Victory

Born and raised in Johannesburg, Tyla has been making waves in the music industry for years. But this year, she hit a new milestone when she walked away with her very first MTV VMA award. Her viral sensation, "Water," was the driving force behind her win in the Best Afrobeats category. This achievement is a testament to her hard work, unique sound, and ability to connect with audiences worldwide. It's like she's been building this house of success, and now she's officially laid the foundation.

The announcement of her win quickly spread across social media platforms. On Twitter (X), @chartdata celebrated the moment by sharing, "Tyla wins her first-ever #VMAs award." It's moments like these that remind us how powerful music can be in bringing people together.

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Tyla Speaks Out About African Artists Being Lumped Under Afrobeats

As Tyla accepted her award at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York City, she took a moment to reflect on the significance of her win. While she was thrilled to be recognized, she also shared some candid thoughts about the challenges faced by African artists in the industry. "The global impact that 'Water' has had on the world proves that African music can be pop music too," she said. "This is so special, but it’s also bittersweet. There’s a tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeats, and while Afrobeats has done amazing things and opened doors for us, African music is so much more diverse than that."

Her words resonated deeply with many who have been advocating for greater recognition of the varied sounds and styles coming out of Africa. It’s not just about Afrobeats—it’s about celebrating the richness and diversity of African music as a whole. Tyla's voice adds to the growing conversation about how we define and categorize music on an international scale.

Fans React to Tyla's Win

The internet exploded with excitement as fans from all over the world celebrated Tyla's victory. Social media became a hub of praise and admiration for the singer. One user, @Itz_aishu, posted, "Huge congratulations to Tyla! She makes history, snagging her first-ever #VMAs award! Her talent, passion, and dedication shine bright, inspiring fans worldwide! This is just the beginning of an incredible journey." Another fan, @aaris_786, simply added, "Many congratulations to Tyla." Even @arianaunext chimed in with, "Her first of many to come!" The support pouring in shows just how much Tyla's win means to her fans and the broader music community.

American Backlash: Is Tyla Unlikable?

Of course, no story is complete without its share of controversy. According to a previous report from Briefly News, Tyla faced criticism from some American audiences following her behavior at the VMAs. After requesting that her award be held because it was heavy, she was labeled a diva by certain segments of the online community. Critics accused her of being unlikable and overly confident. However, it's worth noting that every artist faces scrutiny, and opinions vary widely depending on cultural context and perspective.

Despite the backlash, Tyla's talent and achievements speak volumes. Whether you love her or find her controversial, there’s no denying that she’s making waves in the music industry. And honestly, who wouldn’t want their award to be held if it’s too heavy? Let’s focus on the positive: Tyla is paving the way for future African artists and proving that music transcends borders.

So here's to Tyla, her groundbreaking win, and the exciting journey ahead. Keep shining, Tyla—we’re all rooting for you!