South African sensation Tyla captivated the audience at the 2024 MTV EMAs, claiming the prestigious Best Afrobeats award and emerging victorious over top industry names like Asake, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Rema, and Tems.
This historic achievement was one of three awards Tyla secured, making her the first African artist to win three MTV EMA awards in a single night.
Her success not only showcases her unique artistry but also marks a significant milestone for African representation on the global music scene.
Tyla took home awards for Best Afrobeats, Best R&B, and Best African Act at the 2024 MTV EMAs.
The 30th anniversary of the MTV Europe Music Awards took place at Manchester’s Co-op Live, returning to the UK for a grand celebration on Sunday, 10 November.
In response to her wins, Tyla shared a tweet from the organisers and thanked her fans, saying, “Thank you Tygers once again! 🐅💕 Y’all are insane!”
Tyla posing with the three awards won at the 2024 MTV EMAs.
South African star Tyla surprised fans with her absence from the full 2025 Grammy nominations list, despite her remarkable rise in 2024. In July, Tyla clinched the BET Award for Best New Artist, surpassing Afrobeats sensations Ayra Starr and Asake.
Her debut single, *Water*, propelled her to international fame, winning her multiple awards, including the first Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in February 2024.
### Highlights of the 2024 MTV EMAs
Voting kicked off with Taylor Swift leading with seven nominations across categories like Best Artist, Best Video, Best Pop, and Biggest Fans. Close behind, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, and Sabrina Carpenter each earned five nominations.
Other top contenders included Ayra Starr, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Lisa, and first-time nominees Chappell Roan and Tyla, all receiving four nominations. Kehlani and Tinashe were also among the 19 artists contending for their first MTV EMA nomination.
### About the MTV Europe Music Awards
Since its inception in 1994, the MTV EMAs celebrate achievements across the global music industry, particularly in Europe. Modeled after the MTV VMAs, the EMAs recognise artists from various genres and regions annually. Past ceremonies have taken place in iconic cities such as Berlin, Paris, and London.
### List of Notable 2024 MTV EMA Winners
– Best Song: Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”
– Best Video: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
– Best Artist: Taylor Swift
– Best Collaboration: LISA ft. Rosalía – “NEW WOMAN”
– Best New: Benson Boone
– Best Pop: Ariana Grande
– Best Afrobeats: Tyla
– Best Rock: Liam Gallagher
– Best Latin: Peso Pluma
– Best K-Pop: Jimin
– Best Alternative: Imagine Dragons
– Best Electronic: Calvin Harris
– Best Hip-Hop: Eminem
– Best R&B: Tyla
– Best Live: Taylor Swift
– Biggest Fans: LISA
Best Regional Act Nominees included:
– Best African Act: Tyla
– Best US Act: Taylor Swift
– Best UK & Ireland Act: RAYE – Winner
