South African superstar Tyla has etched her name in global music history after clinching the Best Afrobeats award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) for her viral hit single “PUSH 2 START.”
The win, announced in New York on Monday morning, not only marked a personal triumph for the 23-year-old singer but also reinforced Africa’s rising dominance in the global music industry.
The Best Afrobeats category, introduced at the VMAs in 2023, has become one of the most closely watched, thanks to the explosive popularity of the genre worldwide.
Tyla’s victory highlights the growing recognition of African artists on international platforms, as Afrobeats continues to reshape the sound of global pop culture.
Taking to social media shortly after the announcement, Tyla expressed gratitude to her fans, fellow African artists, and the global community that has embraced her music.
“This is not just my win; this is Africa’s win,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter), sparking celebrations across South Africa and the wider continent.
This year’s VMAs spotlighted several African heavyweights who were nominated across different categories, including Burna Boy, Asake, Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr.
The strong presence of African nominees reflects the genre’s soaring influence, as streaming platforms, social media, and global collaborations push Afrobeats into mainstream music charts.
Although some of Nigeria’s top acts did not clinch wins this year, industry analysts note that their repeated nominations in highly competitive categories such as Song of the Year and Best Collaboration show how far Afrobeats has penetrated global music markets.
Tyla first gained international recognition with her 2023 single “Water,” which went viral on TikTok and earned her a Grammy Award in 2024 for Best African Music Performance.
“PUSH 2 START” built on that success, blending amapiano influences with Afrobeats rhythms—a crossover style that has won her millions of fans worldwide.
Music critic Seyi Adigun told our correspondent, that Tyla’s win represents the future of African music.
“She embodies the new wave of African artists who are not confined by borders.
Tyla moves seamlessly between Afrobeats, amapiano, R&B, and pop. This is why she connects so easily with global audiences,” he said.
The Lagos Chamber of Entertainment and Music congratulated Tyla on her achievement, describing her as “a shining light for African youth and women in music.”
Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr also sent her congratulations via Instagram, writing: “So proud of you sis! You’re making us all proud.”
Internationally, MTV praised Tyla for bringing “freshness and authenticity” to the Afrobeats category, while Billboard highlighted her as one of the fastest-rising global female acts to watch.
Afrobeats, once considered niche, has now become a central force in the global music industry.
According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), African music streaming grew by over 30% in 2024, with Afrobeats artists leading international charts in the U.S., U.K., and Latin America.
The success of the genre has also created opportunities for record labels, investors, and streaming platforms to deepen their presence in Africa.
Experts believe Tyla’s VMA win will open more doors for African creatives and increase foreign investment in the continent’s music ecosystem.
While Nigeria has long been the epicenter of Afrobeats, South Africa’s amapiano movement has surged globally, often merging with Afrobeats to create hybrid sounds.
Tyla’s artistry embodies this cross-pollination, positioning her as a unique voice bridging both worlds.
Cultural analyst Dr. Bimpe Oyeleke explained: “The rise of Tyla shows how African sounds are converging.
Whether it’s amapiano from Johannesburg or Afrobeats from Lagos, the world is embracing African creativity as a leading cultural export.”
Tyla’s victory is expected to further accelerate the demand for African artists on international tours, festivals, and brand partnerships.
Already, major global labels are signing African acts at record rates, while platforms like Spotify and Apple Music continue to dedicate exclusive playlists to African genres.
With the 2025 VMAs now behind, attention is turning toward the 2026 Grammy Awards, where Tyla and other African stars are expected to feature prominently.
Tyla’s win at the 2025 VMAs is more than just an individual achievement—it is a milestone for Africa’s creative economy and cultural influence worldwide.
As Afrobeats cements its place on the global stage, artists from the continent are no longer playing catch-up; they are leading the rhythm of world music.
Her journey from Johannesburg to the global spotlight illustrates what is possible when talent meets opportunity, and it sends a powerful message: Africa’s sound is the world’s future.
