Tyla Describes MTV VMAs Win as ‘Bittersweet’ Due to African Music Grouping
South African sensation Tyla is making waves on the global stage. This year has been a whirlwind, thanks to her viral music.
TYLA AT THE MTV VMA
On Wednesday, 11 September 2024, she achieved yet another career milestone by winning the Best Afrobeats award at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
It’s a huge moment for African music, but Tyla’s feelings about the win are not without complexity, according to Marie Claire.
As she accepted the iconic Moonperson trophy, Tyla expressed a mix of pride and frustration.
“This is just so special, but also bittersweet,” she began.
TYLA ADDRESSES THE PROBLEM
Tyla took the opportunity to address a problem that many African artists face: the tendency to lump all African music under the Afrobeats genre.
“I know there’s a tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeats. It’s a thing,” she continued.
Although she acknowledged the massive success of Afrobeats globally, she reminded the audience that African music is incredibly diverse.
TYLA ON AFROBEATS AND AMAPIANO
“Afrobeats has run things and has opened so many doors for us, but African music is so much more than just Afrobeats,” she said.
Tyla represents a different sound — amapiano, a South African genre blending house, jazz, and kwaito.
“I come from South Africa. I represent amapiano, I represent my culture.”
THE AMAPIANO SOUND
Tyla’s comments struck a chord with many fans, especially South Africans who feel proud to see one of their own taking the global stage.
Amapiano has become a powerful force within South Africa, with its infectious beats and unique blend of sounds, according to Pink Villa.
TYLA COMMITTED TO HER ROOTS
The fact that Tyla continues to champion it while gaining worldwide recognition speaks volumes about her commitment to her roots.
Her win, however, raises important questions about how the global music scene views African artists.
While Afrobeats has indeed opened doors for African talent, many artists from different parts of the continent often find their work mislabelled.
AFRICAN MUSIC
Tyla proudly promotes amapiano, but many overlook it in international conversations about African music.
On the night of her win, Tyla took to the stage in a stunning yellow dress, glowing with excitement, according to Briefly.
After sweetly asking the presenters to hold her award, she gave a heartfelt speech.
“The global impact that Water has had on the world just proves that African music can be pop music too,” she said.
THE SUCCESS OF ‘WATER’
Her track, Water, has been a huge success, and her recognition at the VMAs only cements its status as a global hit.
Other nominees in the Best Afrobeats category included big names such as Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Tems, and Usher.
The competition was fierce, but Tyla’s win showcases the growing presence of South African talent on the international stage.
DIVERSE AFRICAN MUSIC
Though the night celebrated African music, Tyla’s comments have sparked an important conversation.
Her message was clear: African music is vast and diverse.
And while Afrobeats may be leading the charge, genres like amapiano deserve their own recognition.
TYLA’S YEAR
“Africa to the world,” she concluded, proud of her win but equally determined to highlight her culture.
Tyla’s year is far from over.
Along with her Best Afrobeats win, she is nominated for Best New Artist and Best R&B for Water. If 2024 has shown us anything, it’s that this South African star is just getting started.
