Afrobeats continues to make waves on the global stage as Nigerian artists dominate the Best Afrobeats category at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). This year’s nominations highlight the genre’s rising influence, with several prominent Nigerian musicians receiving recognition.
Burna Boy, Tems, Ayra Starr, Davido, Lojay, and Pheelz are all in the running for the coveted Best Afrobeats award. Burna Boy’s latest hit, ‘City Boys,’ and Tems’ soulful track ‘Love Me Jeje’ are both nominated. Ayra Starr also makes the list with ‘Last Heartbreak Song’ featuring Giveon. Pheelz is recognized for his contributions to Usher’s ‘Ruin,’ while Davido and Lojay’s collaboration on Chris Brown’s ‘Sensational’ has earned them a nod.
Additionally, South African star Tyla has been nominated for her global hit ‘Water,’ showcasing the international appeal of Afrobeats and its broader connections to the African continent.
In the broader context of the 2024 VMAs, Taylor Swift leads the nominations with 10 nods, followed closely by Post Malone with 9. Ariana Grande, Eminem, and Sabrina Carpenter are each nominated in 6 categories, rounding out the top contenders.
The VMAs are set to take place on September 11, 2024, at the UBS Arena in New York. The full list of nominations reveals a diverse array of talent across various genres, from pop and hip-hop to rock and Afrobeats.
For a comprehensive look at the nominations and to see who else is in the running, check out the full list below:
Best Afrobeats
- Ayra Starr ft. Giveon – “Last Heartbreak Song” – Mavin / Republic
- Burna Boy – “City Boys” – Spaceship / Bad Habit / Atlantic Records
- Chris Brown ft. Davido & Lojay – “Sensational” – Chris Brown Entertainment / RCA Records
- Tems – “Love Me JeJe” – Since ’93 / RCA Records
- Tyla – “Water” – FAX Records / Epic Records
- Usher, Pheelz – “Ruin” – mega / gamma.
Stay tuned for more updates as the awards show approaches, and congratulations to all the nominees for their impressive achievements!
