Tyla, Burna Boy, Tems, and Other African Stars Bag Nominations for 2024 MTV VMAs

Tyla, Burna Boy, Tems, and Other African Stars Bag Nominations for 2024 MTV VMAs

The nominations for the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have been announced, and African artists are making waves on the global stage. South African rising star Tyla, Nigerian powerhouse Burna Boy, and soulful sensation Tems are among the nominees for this year’s prestigious awards, highlighting the growing influence of African music in the global music industry.

The 2024 MTV VMAs, set to take place on September 12 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, will celebrate the best in music videos and performances from around the world. This year’s nominations reflect the diversity and dynamism of the global music scene, with African artists earning recognition in various categories.

South African singer and songwriter Tyla has been nominated in the Best New Artist category, a testament to her rapid rise in the international music scene. Tyla, whose full name is Tyla Seethal, has captured the attention of global audiences with her unique blend of Afropop and R&B. Her hit single “Water,” which went viral on social media platforms, has garnered millions of streams and catapulted her to stardom.

Reacting to her nomination, Tyla expressed her gratitude to her fans and the music community. “This nomination means the world to me. It’s a dream come true to be recognized alongside so many incredible artists. I’m just getting started, and I’m excited for what’s next,” she said in a statement shared on her social media.

Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, continues to dominate the global music scene with multiple nominations at the 2024 MTV VMAs. Burna Boy has been nominated in the Best African Act and Best Global Act categories, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in African music.

Burna Boy’s nomination comes off the back of his critically acclaimed album “I Told Them…” and his hit single “Big 7,” which has enjoyed massive airplay and streaming success worldwide. Known for his distinctive blend of Afrobeat, dancehall, and reggae influences, Burna Boy has consistently pushed the boundaries of African music, earning him a loyal fan base across the globe.

In a recent interview, Burna Boy shared his thoughts on the nominations. “It’s an honor to be recognized at the MTV VMAs again. African music is global music, and it’s amazing to see our culture being celebrated on such a big stage. I’m grateful to my fans, my team, and everyone who has supported my journey,” he said.

Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, has also earned a nomination for Best R&B Video for her collaboration with American artist SZA on the track “All My Love.” The Nigerian singer-songwriter has quickly become one of the most sought-after artists in the industry, thanks to her soulful voice and emotive songwriting.

Tems gained international acclaim after her collaboration with Wizkid on the hit song “Essence,” which earned a Grammy nomination and solidified her place in the global music scene. Her recent work, including the successful release of her debut EP “If Orange Was a Place,” has continued to win her fans and critical praise.

Tems expressed her excitement about the nomination on Twitter, saying, “This journey has been incredible, and I’m so blessed to have the support of my fans and the music community. Being nominated for an MTV VMA is a huge moment for me, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

In addition to Tyla, Burna Boy, and Tems, several other African artists have been nominated for the 2024 MTV VMAs, reflecting the growing global appeal of African music. Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz and Ghanaian singer Amaarae have both been nominated in the Best African Act category, where they will compete alongside Burna Boy.

Diamond Platnumz, whose real name is Naseeb Abdul Juma, is one of Africa’s most successful musicians, known for his hit songs like “Jeje” and “Waah.” Amaarae, born Ama Serwah Genfi, has gained international attention with her eclectic sound that blends Afropop, R&B, and alternative music. Her album “The Angel You Don’t Know” has been praised for its originality and boldness.

The nominations of Tyla, Burna Boy, Tems, and other African artists at the 2024 MTV VMAs highlight the increasing recognition of African music on the global stage. Over the past decade, African artists have steadily gained prominence, breaking into mainstream markets in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events for Paramount and Chief Content Officer of Music at Paramount+, emphasized the importance of African music in shaping the global music landscape. “African music is vibrant, innovative, and culturally rich. The MTV VMAs are thrilled to honor the incredible talent coming out of Africa this year, and we look forward to seeing these artists continue to make their mark on the world stage,” Gillmer stated.

The 2024 MTV VMAs promise to be a night of celebration, not only of the best music videos and performances of the past year but also of the diverse and dynamic artists who are shaping the future of the industry. With African artists like Tyla, Burna Boy, and Tems leading the charge, the world will be watching to see who takes home the coveted awards.

Fans can vote for their favorite artists and videos on the official MTV VMAs website. The awards ceremony will be broadcast live on MTV and streamed online for global audiences.