At just 22 years old, South African sensation Tyla is taking the global stage by storm. The Edenvale-born star has earned four nominations at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), making her the most nominated African artist this year. According to Sowetan Live, this is not only her first time being nominated, but she’s leading the African pack with nods in the categories of Best New, Best Afrobeats, Best R&B, and Best African Act.
In the fiercely competitive Best African Act category, Tyla will go head-to-head with fellow South Africans TitoM & Yuppe, hitmakers of Tshwala Bam, DJ DBN Gogo, Nigerian star Ayra Starr, and Tanzanian icon Diamond Platnumz. Starr, like Tyla, has also secured four nominations, making it a tight race between the two rising African superstars.
For Best New Act, Tyla and Starr will be up against international artists such as Benson Boone, Chappell Roan, LE SSERAFIM, Teddy Swims, and The Last Dinner Party. Both African stars are also in the running for Best Afrobeats, alongside Asake, Burna Boy, Rema, and Tems. In the Best R&B category, Tyla finds herself among heavyweights like Kehlani, SZA, Tinashe, Usher, and Victoria Monét.
Monde Twala, senior vice-president and general manager of Paramount Africa, and Lead BET International, shared his excitement for the African artists: “We are incredibly proud to see African artists continuing to shine on the global stage at the 2024 MTV EMAs. The nominations reflect the remarkable talent and diversity of Africa’s music scene, with Afrobeats and other genres making a powerful impact worldwide.”
He continued, “Artists like Ayra Starr, Tyla, Burna Boy, Tems, and many others are true ambassadors of African excellence, and their achievements inspire the next generation of creatives across the continent. MTV remains committed to amplifying African voices and showcasing their artistry to audiences around the world.”
The EMAs will celebrate their 30th anniversary on November 10 in Manchester, UK. Leading the nominations overall is Taylor Swift, with seven nods, followed by Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, and Sabrina Carpenter, each with five nominations.
Tyla’s incredible year also saw her becoming the youngest South African Grammy winner in February, when her viral hit Water won Best African Music Performance. As she continues to break barriers, all eyes are on her as she represents Africa on a global stage.
