Tyla Triumphs at the 2024 MTV EMAs: Wins Best Afrobeats Act, Best R&B Act, and Best African Act
The 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) was a triumphant night for Tyla, who emerged as one of the event’s biggest winners, taking home three out of her four nominations. Held on 10 November 2024 at the Co-op Live in Manchester, UK, the ceremony was a showcase of diverse global talent, but it was Tyla who made a powerful statement for African artists, being the most decorated from the continent this year. Tyla won Best R&B Act, Best African Act, and Best Afrobeats Act. However, she narrowly missed the “Best New Artist” award, which went to American pop talent Benson Boone.
In the Best Afrobeats Act category, Tyla went head-to-head with heavyweights like Burna Boy, Asake, Ayra Starr, Rema, and Tems, coming out victorious. The category which is a testament to the explosive growth of Afrobeats on the global stage, underlines how artists from the genre have continued to dominate international charts and redefine popular music.
Tyla also secured the Best African Act, surpassing a tough lineup including Ayra Starr, Asake, Diamond Platnumz, DBN Gogo, and Tanzanian rappers Titom & Yuppe.
In perhaps one of her most significant wins of the night, Tyla snagged the Best R&B Act award, edging out a strong field of contenders such as SZA, Kehlani, Tinashe, Usher, and Victoria Monét.
The award recognises her talents and ability to combine soulful aspects of R&B with her distinct musical flare.
Her performance of “Push 2 Start” and “Water” which has taken the world by storm with its catchy melody and danceable beat, was one of the ceremony’s highlights. Her performance showcased a powerful live performer beyond capable of commanding a global stage.
Though she fell short in the Best New Artist category to Benson Boone, whose powerful vocal performances and emotive pop ballads have garnered significant acclaim, Tyla’s presence at the MTV EMAs was a resounding success. With three major wins, Tyla established herself as a breakout star, and continues to push the boundaries of what African artists can achieve on a global scale.
