South African singer Tyla captured the spotlight at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) when she clinched the Best Afrobeats category for her hit single “PUSH 2 START.” The announcement, made during the ceremony on September 8, marks a significant milestone for both the artist and the broader Afrobeats movement.
The 2025 award season has seen an unprecedented surge of African talents across major global platforms. Tyla’s win underscores the rising influence of African music on the international stage, demonstrating that the continent’s vibrant sound is not just a fleeting trend but a transformative force in global pop culture.
A milestone for African music
Born Tyla Laura Seethal, the Johannesburg–raised singer first gained international attention with her 2023 hit “Water,” which fused South African Amapiano rhythms with pop sensibilities. Her latest single, “PUSH 2 START,” takes a similarly catchy approach, blending Afrobeats grooves with crisp vocals and relatable lyrics.
At the VMAs, Tyla triumphed over a formidable field that included Nigerian heavyweights Burna Boy, Rema, Asake, Tems and Ayra Starr. Their collective nominations highlight the continent’s expanding footprint in global music awards. While Nigerian artists have dominated international charts in recent years, Tyla’s victory signals a broader African renaissance, bringing South Africa into the spotlight and showing that the continent’s musical diversity is its strength.
Beyond entertainment, Tyla’s win is culturally significant. Afrobeats emerged from West Africa in the 2000s but has since evolved into a pan‑African sound, infused with elements of hip‑hop, dancehall, Amapiano and R&B. The genre’s global success is largely due to social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, which have helped African artists reach worldwide audiences without gatekeepers. By celebrating an Afrobeats track from South Africa, the VMAs acknowledge the genre’s fluidity and the regional nuances that enrich it.
A moment of unity and representation
Tyla’s VMAs acceptance message resonated with fans across the African diaspora. She dedicated the award to “everyone who believes in our music,” reminding the world that African artists are not only capable of topping charts but also of inspiring cultural pride. The win has ignited celebrations across social networks, with fans hailing it as a victory for all Africans.
For African musicians, this spotlight offers more than personal accolades. Increased recognition has attracted greater investment in Africa’s music industry, from recording infrastructure to touring opportunities. It also empowers artists to negotiate better contracts and retain creative control. Tyla’s success could inspire record labels to invest in emerging markets beyond Lagos and Accra, expanding opportunities in Johannesburg, Nairobi and other cities.
Other African nominees and global recognition
The 2025 VMAs nominations list read like a roll call of Africa’s finest. Burna Boy, known for his fusion of Afro‑fusion and reggae, released two albums in the past year, both charting internationally. Rema’s “Calm Down” remix with Selena Gomez became a global hit. Asake continued to push the boundaries of Afro‑Street music with his albums and sold‑out tours. Tems cemented her crossover status with collaborations alongside megastars like Beyoncé and Drake, while Ayra Starr grew her fanbase with the release of a new EP.
These artists’ presence at a major US awards show reflects not just their individual achievements but a wider shift in the global music ecosystem. African music is no longer relegated to world‑music categories; it’s influencing mainstream pop, hip‑hop and R&B.
Why it matters for the diaspora
For Africans living abroad, cultural representation remains a powerful emotional anchor. Seeing an African woman stand on an international stage and claim a prestigious award sends a message of empowerment and visibility. It counters historical narratives that cast Africa as a follower rather than a trendsetter.
As Afrobeats continues to dominate streaming platforms and festival line‑ups, Tyla’s win is a reminder that African stories and sounds have universal resonance. It invites diaspora communities to reconnect with contemporary African culture and encourages the wider world to look to Africa for artistic innovation.
Looking forward
Tyla’s VMAs triumph is likely to boost her international profile and create new opportunities for collaborations and tours. More importantly, it sets the stage for further African successes in global awards shows. As the continent’s creative economy grows, fueled by youthful populations and digital connectivity, the world will see more African artists headlining charts and winning prestigious awards.
The momentum behind Afrobeats shows no signs of slowing. With governments and private investors recognizing the industry’s economic potential, initiatives to support music education, intellectual property rights and touring infrastructure are multiplying. Tyla’s victory is not only a celebration of artistic excellence but also a beacon pointing to Africa’s cultural and economic future.
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