Tyla Just Did It Again: Best Afrobeats at the 2025 VMAs

At this point, should we start calling Tyla the face of Afrobeats at the VMAs? Because the South African superstar just scooped her second consecutive win in the category — this time for her addictive hit Push 2 Start.

The ceremony, held at New York’s UBS Arena, turned into another career milestone for the 23-year-old, who first took home the trophy last year with Water. This year, she edged out a stacked line-up of Nigerian heavyweights including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, Tems, and Asake — proving once again that her global takeover is only just beginning.

 

And while the award itself is major, Tyla also knew exactly how to make the red carpet her runway. She turned heads in a vintage ’90s Chanel dress that gave drama, elegance, and a touch of nostalgia — the kind of fashion statement that cements her status as both music and style’s next global force.

Of course, the night was packed with other big wins: Lady Gaga dominated with four awards (including Artist of the Year), Ariana Grande snagged Video of the Year, and Mariah Carey accepted the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. But let’s be honest — Tyla’s back-to-back victory is the one that has Afrobeats fans everywhere celebrating.

 

Two years, two VMAs, and one unstoppable rise. Tyla isn’t just part of the Afrobeats conversation anymore — she is the conversation.

Daniel Usidamen

Author