Tyla Wins Best Afrobeats at 2025 VMAs, Makes History for African Music
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) delivered another historic moment for African music as South African sensation Tyla took home the Best Afrobeats award.
The “Water” hitmaker edged out some of Africa’s biggest names, including Burna Boy, Rema, Ayra Starr, and Tems, to claim the prestigious title. This marks a milestone for Tyla, who has continued to push Afrobeats and Amapiano to a global audience.
Her win comes on the back of an incredible year, with chart-topping singles, a world tour, and multiple international recognitions. Accepting the award, Tyla thanked her fans worldwide and dedicated the trophy to “every African artist pushing the sound of the continent to the world.”
Social media immediately lit up with reactions, with fans celebrating her achievement while also debating the fierce competition in the category. Many hailed the recognition as proof that African sounds are dominating global stages, while others felt the award could have gone to another Afrobeats powerhouse.
Regardless of the debates, Tyla’s victory has further solidified her status as one of the leading voices of African music globally.
