Tyla has won the Best Afrobeats Award at the 2024 MTV VMAs (Video Music Awards). She talked about the stereotype concerning the categorization of all African music as Afrobeats.

 

South African singer Tyla made headlines after winning the Best Afrobeats Award at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), a historic achievement that marks a significant milestone for African music on the global stage. Tyla, known for her hit singles blending Afrobeats, Amapiano, and R&B, has been making waves internationally, and her win at the VMAs is a testament to her rising stardom and the growing recognition of African music worldwide.

During her acceptance speech, Tyla addressed an issue that has been a topic of discussion within the global music industry for years: the oversimplification and stereotyping of African music under the single genre label of "Afrobeats." While expressing her gratitude for the award, Tyla took a moment to highlight the richness and diversity of African music, pointing out that the continent is home to a wide range of musical styles and traditions that go far beyond the confines of Afrobeats.

Tyla spoke passionately about how the categorization of all African music as Afrobeats undermines the rich cultural and musical diversity of the continent. She emphasized that while Afrobeats, a genre that originated from West Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana, has become globally popular, it is just one of many musical styles from Africa. She called on the international music community to recognize and respect the diversity of African music, which includes genres like Amapiano, Highlife, Kwaito, Soukous, Mbalax, and many others that have unique rhythms, instruments, and cultural backgrounds.

Tyla has won the Best Afrobeats Award at the 2024 MTV VMAs (Video Music Awards).

She talked about the stereotype concerning the categorization of all African music as Afrobeats. pic.twitter.com/X3jY3otzBc

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) September 12, 2024

Tyla, who has been a significant voice in the popularization of Amapiano—a genre that emerged from South Africa and blends deep house, jazz, and lounge music—used her platform to advocate for greater recognition of this genre and others that are often overlooked in global award shows. She highlighted the importance of understanding the origins and cultural significance of different African music styles and challenged the music industry to go beyond simplistic categorizations.

She stated, "I’m honored to receive this award, but it's important to remember that Africa is a continent with so many different sounds and stories. Afrobeats is incredible, but it’s not the only sound coming out of Africa. There is Amapiano, there is Highlife, there is Kwaito, there are so many genres that deserve the same recognition and appreciation."

Tyla's remarks have sparked a broader conversation about the representation of African music in global contexts. Many music enthusiasts and industry professionals have echoed her sentiments, calling for a more nuanced understanding and appreciation of the various musical traditions that Africa has to offer. They argue that lumping all African music into the "Afrobeats" category reduces the diversity and depth of the continent's cultural expressions, limiting the opportunities for different African artists and genres to be heard and celebrated.

By bringing attention to this issue, Tyla has added her voice to a growing movement advocating for a more inclusive and accurate representation of African music. Her comments have resonated with many artists across the continent, who often feel that their unique contributions to the global music scene are overshadowed by the popularity of a single genre. This moment at the VMAs could mark a shift in how African music is categorized and recognized on the world stage, paving the way for more diverse and inclusive award categories in the future.

As Tyla continues to rise as a global music icon, her advocacy for recognizing the diversity of African music may lead to a broader appreciation of the continent’s cultural output. Her win and subsequent remarks have sparked discussions about how award shows and music platforms categorize and celebrate African music. It could encourage industry stakeholders to create new award categories that better represent the vast musical landscape of Africa, giving more artists the recognition they deserve.

Tyla’s powerful statement at the VMAs highlights not only her talent and influence but also her commitment to reshaping the narrative around African music on a global scale. Her message is clear: Africa's music scene is rich, dynamic, and deserving of a broader, more nuanced appreciation.