Tyla's VMA Victory Sparks Mixed Reactions In Mzansi
- South African sensation Tyla took home her latest trophy after scoring a VMA Award in the Best Afrobeats category.
- During her acceptance speech, the Water hitmaker playfully handed her award to US rapper Lil Nas X, sparking both laughter and controversy.
- This move ignited backlash online, with Mzansi X user @odedanilo questioning the lack of celebration for Tyla's achievement.

Let me tell you something, folks. Mzansi pop star Tyla didn’t just win an award; she made waves at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards in New York. While everyone expected her to bask in the glory of her achievement, Tyla’s actions during her acceptance speech left people scratching their heads. This wasn’t just about winning an award—it was about how she handled it.
The Water hitmaker walked away with the prestigious Best Afrobeats award, becoming the first South African artist and solo act to win in this category since it was introduced last year. This is no small feat. But as they say, with great success comes great scrutiny.
Why Are We Not Celebrating Tyla?
Tyla’s moment in the spotlight wasn’t without controversy. Earlier this year, she had already claimed two major awards at the BET Awards 2024—Best New Artist and Best International Act. So when she jokingly handed her VMA trophy to Lil Nas X during her acceptance speech, it raised eyebrows. Some thought it was a funny moment; others saw it as disrespectful. Either way, the internet didn’t waste any time reacting.
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Tyla later addressed the backlash on social media, firing back at critics with a candid message: "Y'all make everything weird. I wasn’t asking my girl Halle. We’re girls. STF*, I WON A VMA." It’s clear that the singer wasn’t trying to offend anyone, but the internet has a way of turning small moments into big discussions.
Meanwhile, a local X user named @odedanilo decided to chime in, pointing out what many were thinking: Why wasn’t there more love for Tyla? They asked, "South Africans, where are your tweets congratulating Tyla?" It’s a valid question, especially considering the pressure artists often face from their home countries.
@odedanilo continued, "I don’t know, 22 years old, thrown into world fame so fast. She’s bound to make mistakes here and there. Shouldn’t we be more forgiving?" It’s a reminder that success doesn’t come without challenges, and sometimes, we need to give artists the grace to navigate it all.
What Mzansi Thinks About Tyla’s Moves
The conversation sparked by @odedanilo’s post didn’t go unnoticed. In fact, it quickly gained traction, racking up over 202,000 views and 2,300 likes. People had plenty to say, and their responses highlighted a range of opinions.
Briefly News rounded up some of the most interesting replies:
@tira_tm quipped, "Ngubani lowo? Asikho lapho thina (Who is that? We’re not there)." It’s a sentiment shared by many who feel disconnected from Tyla’s rapid rise to fame.
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@sewelankoana chimed in, saying, "Bro, we don’t even care what she does. She can carry on doing what she’s doing. It’s her bag; we’re also minding ours." For some, Tyla’s success doesn’t resonate as much as it might for others.
@Liihlendimande added, "Hai, Chichi must say it to her. And push people to support Tyla." This suggests that perhaps a familiar voice could help bridge the gap between Tyla and her audience back home.
A Moment of Reflection
At the end of the day, Tyla’s journey is far from over. She’s achieved something monumental, not just for herself but for all of Mzansi. Whether or not everyone chooses to celebrate her win, one thing is certain: her impact on the global stage cannot be ignored. As she continues to break barriers, maybe it’s time for us to reflect on how we support our artists and what it means to celebrate their victories.
So, here’s to Tyla—and to all the young talents chasing their dreams. Let’s keep the conversation going and find ways to lift each other up along the way.


