The VMAs 2025 Tyla wins Best Afrobeats again, the story is dominating headlines across Africa and beyond. South African sensation Tyla secured her second consecutive MTV Video Music Award in the Afrobeats category, this time for her viral hit “Push 2 Start.” The victory has sparked intense discussions online, especially among Nigerian fans who are questioning how their biggest stars missed out once again.
Tyla’s Big Win
At the 2025 MTV VMAs, Tyla faced fierce competition from Nigerian powerhouses Wizkid, Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, and Asake. Despite their global reach and massive streaming numbers, Tyla emerged victorious. Her win for “Push 2 Start” follows her 2024 success with “Water,” making her the first artist to clinch back-to-back wins in the Best Afrobeats category.
This moment was further amplified by her bold red-carpet look. Tyla wore a vintage Chanel piece styled as a micro-mini dress, paired with chunky jewelry. The fashion statement symbolized her growing confidence as both a music and style icon.
Nigerians React to Tyla Win
As expected, Nigerians react to Tyla’s win with a mix of emotions. Many fans expressed pride in seeing African talent dominate the VMAs stage, celebrating her achievement as another milestone for African music. Others, however, voiced frustration.
Some social media users openly questioned how Tyla managed to edge out Nigerian Afrobeats giants. One fan wrote, “How is this even possible?” while another suggested that global award shows consistently overlook Nigerian stars despite their massive global influence.
More critical voices labeled Tyla an “industry plant” or dismissed the award as Western favoritism. Yet, others took a reflective tone, urging Nigerians to focus more on celebrating artists through local platforms, such as the Headies and Afrima, instead of relying solely on international validation.
What the Win Means for Afrobeats
At the 2025 VMAs, Tyla won the Best Afrobeats award, which goes beyond a trophy. It reflects the shifting landscape of African music on the world stage. Tyla has successfully fused Afrobeats with amapiano and global pop, creating a sound that appeals to diverse audiences. Her win signals that Afrobeats, while pioneered and popularized by Nigerians, is increasingly becoming a shared continental identity.
Still, the Nigerians’ reaction to Tyla’s win in the debate underscores deeper concerns about recognition. Nigerian artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tems continue to top global charts, sell out stadiums, and shape the sound of Afrobeats. For many fans, their consistent international dominance should also translate into regular award victories.
Looking Ahead
Tyla’s career trajectory looks unstoppable. With two consecutive VMA wins, she is firmly establishing herself as a global star. Her artistry is not only redefining African sound but also challenging how Afrobeats is categorized and awarded internationally.
For Nigeria, the Nigerian reaction to Tyla’s win conversation highlights a crucial moment for reflection. Instead of dwelling on the perceived snub, many argue that it is time to strengthen homegrown platforms and celebrate African music on African soil with the same enthusiasm.
Ultimately, the VMAs 2025 Tyla wins Best Afrobeats story proves that Afrobeats is thriving, but it also exposes growing debates about ownership, representation, and recognition in global music spaces. Tyla may hold the award this year, but Nigerian artists remain at the forefront of the genre’s international dominance.
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