African artists are making major waves on the global stage, with Tyla and Burna Boy leading the continent’s charge at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). The South African breakout star Tyla and Nigeria’s Grammy-winning powerhouse Burna Boy each secured two nominations, the highest among African nominees, cementing their status as global icons of Afrobeats and African creativity.
Tyla, who has had a meteoric rise since her hit “Water,” is nominated in the Best Afrobeats category for her energetic track “Push 2 Start” and also in Best Choreography, a recognition of the slick and captivating dance moves that have become a hallmark of her music videos. Her inclusion highlights the increasing visibility of South African artists in a space traditionally dominated by their West African counterparts.
Meanwhile, Burna Boy continues to assert his influence on the global music scene with nominations in Best Afrobeats for “TaTaTa” featuring Travis Scott and in the Video for Good category for his socially-conscious anthem “Higher.” Known for blending activism with artistry, Burna’s recognition in this impactful category underscores his ability to inspire beyond entertainment.
The Best Afrobeats category itself is a celebration of African and diaspora talent. Nigerian superstars Wizkid, Rema, Tems, and Asake are joined by Ghanaian artist Moliy, showing how Afrobeats has evolved into a truly continental and global genre. Collaborations with international stars such as Travis Scott and Brent Faiyaz further reflect the genre’s expanding influence.
This year’s VMAs are dominated overall by Lady Gaga, who leads with 12 nominations, followed closely by Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar. However, the spotlight on African artists signals a major cultural shift and the increasing appetite for African soundscapes and visuals in global pop culture.
As the world tunes in for the 2025 MTV VMAs, all eyes will be on whether Tyla or Burna Boy can bring home the win—and on how African talent continues to redefine music boundaries on the global stage.
