As the list for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards was unveiled, the Afrobeats category was once again a roll call of the continent’s biggest stars. Yet, amidst the titans, one name sparked a particularly intriguing conversation: Tyla. The South African superstar’s return to the list is, on the surface, a triumphant validation of her continued success. But for anyone who was paying attention last year, Tyla’s 2025 VMA nominations are far more complex—a fascinating story of success, identity, and the politics of a global music industry still playing catch-up.
The Double Nod: Acknowledging the Total Package
This year, Tyla secured two nominations for her hit “PUSH 2 START,” and the pairing is significant. Her nod for Best Afrobeats confirms her undeniable place at the top table of African music, proving that the “Water” phenomenon was no fluke.
However, it’s the second nomination for Best Choreography that tells the fuller story. It’s a crucial acknowledgement from the institution that Tyla is a complete audio-visual artist. Just as she did with the viral “Water” dance, she and her choreographer Lee-ché Janecke have again created a cultural moment built on movement. The VMA voters aren’t just recognising a song; they’re recognising her entire artistic package.
The Tea: The Politics of the ‘Afrobeats’ Category
Herein lies the delicious irony and the real tea. When Tyla accepted her historic award for “Water” in 2024—becoming the first solo act to win the category—she did not simply offer thanks. She used her platform to deliver a thoughtful critique, calling the win “bittersweet” because of the “tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeats.” She made it a point to declare, “I represent amapiano, I represent my culture… African music is so diverse, it is more than just Afrobeats.”
The public remembers that speech. It was a powerful moment of advocacy that sparked a vital conversation. Her nomination again this year, therefore, presents a fascinating dilemma. On one hand, it’s a massive honour that places her among the genre’s elite. On the other, it puts her right back inside the very box she so eloquently tried to expand. It raises the question: has the category evolved, or is Tyla’s star power simply too big for the VMAs to ignore, regardless of genre specifics?
The Competition: A Unique Position
Looking at the field, her unique position is even clearer. As the sole South African nominee in the category, she stands apart from the Nigerian heavyweights like Asake, Burna Boy, and Rema. Furthermore, she is the only artist in the category who also holds a nomination in a major craft category like Best Choreography, reinforcing that her artistry is viewed through a different, more dynamic lens.
A Win, Whatever the Outcome
Tyla’s 2025 VMA nominations are a testament to her undeniable global influence. She is in a league of her own, crafting a career that blends cultural specificity with universal pop appeal. Whether she takes home another Moon Person or not, her presence on the list is a victory in itself. It confirms her status as a global pop force and ensures the vital conversation about how the world sees and categorises the rich diversity of African music continues. And for that, she’s already won.
