African artistes shine at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards

Tyla, Burna Boy, Tems, Davido, and Ayra Starr are among the African artistes nominated for the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), which will be held at the UBS Arena in New York on September 11.

The awards ceremony will be broadcast globally across more than 150 countries, with African audiences able to catch the action on DStv channel 130 at 2am CAT.

In the Best Afrobeats category, Tyla, Burna Boy, Tems, Davido, Ayra Starr, Lojay, and Pheelz have all received nominations. Additionally, Tyla has garnered two more nominations in the Best New Artist and Best R&B categories.

On the international front, American pop sensation Taylor Swift leads with a remarkable 10 nominations, followed by Post Malone with nine nods for their Fortnight collaboration.

Ariana Grande, Eminem, and Sabrina Carpenter each have six nominations, while Megan Thee Stallion and SZA are close behind with five apiece. Lisa, Olivia Rodrigo, and Teddy Swims each have four nominations.

Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & Co-General Manager of BET International and Paramount Africa, expressed pride in the growing prominence of African music.

“We’re immensely proud to continually champion the growth of African music and celebrate the extraordinary talent of our nominees for this year’s awards. These artistes are not merely representing their countries; they are boldly reshaping the global music landscape. Their nominations underscore the undeniable impact and universal appeal of African music, further cementing its place on the world stage.”

Fans can vote for their favourite artistes across 15 gender-neutral categories, including the prestigious Video of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Artist of the Year until August 30.

Voting for Best New Artist will remain open through the show on September 10, with nominations for social categories to be announced at a later date.