In a stunning moment for African music on the global stage, South African singer Tyla emerged victorious at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), clinching the coveted Best Afrobeats award. The win saw her outshine some of Nigeria’s biggest music exports, including Burna Boy, Asake, Tems, and Rema, in a fiercely competitive category that highlighted the growing influence of Afrobeats on the world music scene. Tyla’s victory, announced during the star-studded ceremony held on September 7, 2025, in New York, marks a significant milestone for the young artist and underscores the diversity and dynamism of African music.
Tyla’s Breakthrough Moment
At just 23 years old, Tyla Laura Seethal has rapidly risen to prominence, becoming one of the most exciting talents in contemporary music. Her win at the 2025 VMAs for Best Afrobeats, a category introduced to recognize the genre’s global impact, solidifies her status as a trailblazer. Tyla’s breakout hit, “Water,” released in 2023, became a global sensation, earning her widespread acclaim and a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024. The song’s infectious blend of Amapiano, pop, and Afrobeats elements resonated with audiences worldwide, propelling her to international stardom.
The Best Afrobeats category at the 2025 VMAs was fiercely contested, featuring a lineup of African music heavyweights. Nigeria’s Burna Boy, a Grammy-winning artist known for his genre-defying sound and global influence, was a strong contender. Asake, whose unique blend of Fuji, Amapiano, and Afrobeats has earned him a massive following, also vied for the award. Tems, celebrated for her soulful voice and contributions to hits like Wizkid’s “Essence,” was another formidable nominee. Rounding out the category was Rema, whose chart-topping single “Calm Down” became one of the biggest Afrobeats exports in recent years. Tyla’s victory over these titans speaks volumes about her talent and the universal appeal of her music.
The Significance of the Win
Tyla’s win is a landmark achievement not only for her career but also for South African music and the broader African music industry. While Nigerian artists have dominated the Afrobeats scene in recent years, Tyla’s success highlights the growing influence of South African genres like Amapiano, which has become a global phenomenon. Amapiano, characterized by its smooth, jazzy beats and log-drum basslines, has found a massive audience both in Africa and beyond, with artists like Tyla leading the charge.
The Best Afrobeats category at the VMAs, introduced in 2023, reflects the genre’s meteoric rise on the global stage. Afrobeats, a term often used to encompass a wide range of African pop music styles, has transcended its West African origins to become a cultural force, influencing artists, producers, and audiences worldwide. The inclusion of Tyla, a South African artist, in this category alongside Nigerian stars underscores the genre’s inclusivity and its ability to unite diverse African musical traditions under one umbrella.
Tyla’s victory also carries symbolic weight for representation. As a young Black woman from Johannesburg, she has become a role model for aspiring artists across the continent, particularly in South Africa, where the music industry has historically been overshadowed by Nigeria’s dominance in Afrobeats. Her win sends a powerful message about the potential for artists from all corners of Africa to compete on the global stage and achieve recognition at prestigious awards like the VMAs.
Reactions from Fans and Industry Figures
The announcement of Tyla’s win sparked a wave of reactions across social media platforms, with fans and industry figures weighing in on the outcome. In South Africa, the response was overwhelmingly celebratory, with fans hailing Tyla as a national treasure. “Tyla is putting SA on the map! So proud of her for winning Best Afrobeats at the VMAs,” one user posted on X. Others praised her for representing Amapiano and elevating South African music to new heights.
In Nigeria, reactions were mixed. While many fans acknowledged Tyla’s talent and congratulated her on the win, others expressed disappointment that Nigerian artists, who have been instrumental in popularizing Afrobeats globally, did not take home the award. “Burna, Asake, Tems, and Rema are legends, but Tyla deserved this one. Her sound is fresh, and she’s killing it,” one Nigerian fan wrote on X. However, some felt the loss was a missed opportunity for Nigeria to further cement its dominance in the genre.
Industry figures also weighed in, with several prominent African artists and producers praising Tyla’s achievement. South African DJ Black Coffee, a Grammy winner himself, congratulated Tyla, calling her “a shining star for Africa.” Nigerian producer Don Jazzy, known for nurturing talents like Rema, also extended his congratulations, emphasizing the importance of unity in African music. “It’s a win for Africa, whether it’s Tyla, Burna, or anyone else. Let’s keep pushing the sound forward,” he wrote.
The Competitive Landscape
The 2025 VMAs Best Afrobeats category was a showcase of African music’s diversity and depth. Burna Boy, often referred to as the “African Giant,” has been a leading figure in Afrobeats for nearly a decade, with albums like Twice as Tall and Love, Damini earning critical acclaim and global recognition. His nomination for Best Afrobeats was seen as a nod to his continued influence, but Tyla’s win suggests that newer voices are beginning to challenge the established order.
Asake, known for his energetic performances and genre-blending style, has been a standout in the Afrobeats scene since his debut album Mr. Money with the Vibe. His nomination highlighted his rapid rise and ability to connect with younger audiences. Tems, a vocal powerhouse, has made waves with her soulful sound and collaborations with global stars like Drake and Future. Her inclusion in the category was a testament to her growing influence, particularly in the U.S. market.
Rema, whose “Calm Down” remix with Selena Gomez became a global hit, was another strong contender. The song’s success, including billions of streams and chart-topping performances, made him a favorite among fans. However, Tyla’s unique blend of Amapiano and Afrobeats, coupled with her global appeal, ultimately won over the VMAs voters.
Tyla’s Journey and Future Prospects
Tyla’s journey to the VMAs stage is a story of talent, perseverance, and strategic branding. Born and raised in Johannesburg, she began her music career at a young age, drawing inspiration from South African genres like Kwaito and Amapiano, as well as international pop and R&B. Her debut single, “Getting Late,” released in 2019, showcased her potential, but it was “Water” that catapulted her to global fame. The song’s viral success on platforms like TikTok, coupled with its infectious melody, made it a cultural phenomenon.
Since then, Tyla has released her self-titled debut album, Tyla, which features a mix of Amapiano, Afrobeats, and pop influences. The album received critical acclaim for its versatility and has solidified her as a leading voice in African music. Her performance style, characterized by vibrant choreography and a magnetic stage presence, has also endeared her to fans worldwide.
Looking ahead, Tyla’s VMAs win positions her for even greater success. Industry analysts predict that she will continue to bridge the gap between South African and global music markets, potentially collaborating with major international artists and expanding her influence. Her ability to blend Amapiano with Afrobeats and pop makes her a versatile artist capable of appealing to diverse audiences.
The Broader Impact on African Music
Tyla’s victory at the 2025 VMAs is a testament to the global rise of African music. Over the past decade, Afrobeats has evolved from a regional sound to a global phenomenon, influencing artists like Beyoncé, Drake, and Ed Sheeran. The genre’s inclusion at major awards shows like the VMAs and Grammys reflects its cultural and commercial significance.
For South Africa, Tyla’s win is a moment of pride and a catalyst for further investment in the country’s music industry. Amapiano, in particular, is gaining traction globally, with artists like Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Focalistic also making waves. Tyla’s success could pave the way for more South African artists to break into the international market.
For Nigeria, the loss in the Best Afrobeats category does not diminish the country’s contributions to the genre. Nigerian artists remain at the forefront of Afrobeats, with stars like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy continuing to shape its trajectory. The competition between Nigerian and South African artists is ultimately a positive force, driving innovation and collaboration across the continent.
Conclusion
Tyla’s win at the 2025 VMAs for Best Afrobeats is a historic moment for African music, highlighting the genre’s diversity and the emergence of new talent. Her triumph over Nigerian giants Burna Boy, Asake, Tems, and Rema underscores her unique sound and global appeal. As African music continues to dominate the world stage, Tyla’s victory serves as a reminder of the continent’s rich musical heritage and its limitless potential. For fans and artists alike, her win is a celebration of African excellence and a harbinger of even greater achievements to come.
