South African sensation Tyla has credited Afrobeats for its significant impact in opening doors for African music globally. At the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), Tyla celebrated her double win as she took home the awards for Best Afrobeats and Best African Act, triumphing over popular Nigerian stars like Asake, Rema, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, and Tems.
In her acceptance speech for Best Afrobeats, Tyla expressed gratitude to the genre that has propelled African music onto the world stage. Standing beside her younger sister, she declared, “Thank you to Afrobeats. It has opened many doors for African music,” acknowledging the genre’s influence in elevating African artistry worldwide.
Tyla’s statement at the EMAs contrasts with her VMAs speech earlier this year, where she described herself as an Amapiano artist despite winning Best Afrobeats for her hit “Water,” a track widely associated with the Afrobeats sound. Her comment sparked debate, with some fans interpreting it as a missed opportunity to fully embrace Afrobeats, which had largely driven her success.
Her acknowledgment at the EMAs, however, has been welcomed as a heartfelt recognition of Afrobeats’ transformative impact on African artists. Observers see her latest speech as a thoughtful appreciation for the genre’s contribution, celebrating the movement that has redefined African music on a global scale.
