The 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) have once again placed the spotlight on African artists, with Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr and South African star Tyla leading the African nominees. These two rising stars are being celebrated for their contributions to the global music scene, marking a significant moment for African pop music at one of the world’s most prestigious music events.
Ayra Starr and Tyla are competing alongside a diverse group of African artists in categories that highlight the rich variety of music coming from the continent. Both stars have been nominated in the Best African Act and Best Afrobeats categories, alongside other influential artists like Nigeria’s Asake, Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz, and South African DJ DBN Gogo. Additionally, duo TitoM & Yuppe, known for their hit “Tshwala Bam,” round out the African nominees.
This year, the EMAs continue to evolve by adding more African-related categories, reflecting the growing influence of African music on the global stage. The Best African Act category has long been a feature of the EMAs, acknowledging the diversity of African music beyond the increasingly popular Afrobeats genre. Afrobeats, which originated from West Africa, has become a dominant force in international pop music, but the EMAs are also recognizing the importance of showcasing a wider range of African music styles.
In the Best Afrobeats category, Ayra Starr and Tyla are joined by Burna Boy, Rema, and Tems—some of the biggest names in Afrobeats. Tyla’s growing success, especially after her win at the MTV VMAs, has positioned her as a strong contender for multiple awards. She’s also been nominated for Best New and Best R&B, signaling her growing influence beyond African music.
Ayra Starr, known for her captivating performances and soulful voice, also shares the spotlight with Tyla as one of the most nominated African artists at the 2024 EMAs. Her MTV Push performances of “Last Heartbreak Song” featuring Giveon and “Woman Commando” from her latest album have earned her nominations for Best New and Best Push.
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The 2024 MTV EMAs will take place in Manchester’s Co-Op Live on November 10, with fans able to vote for their favorite artists until November 6 via the MTV EMAs website. With African artists like Ayra Starr and Tyla making waves in multiple categories, this year’s event is set to highlight the incredible talent and diversity coming out of Africa.
Select Nominees for the 2024 MTV EMAs:
Best African Act:
– Asake
– Ayra Starr
– DBN Gogo
– Diamond Platnumz
– TitoM & Yuppe
– Tyla
Best Afrobeats:
– Asake
– Ayra Starr
– Burna Boy
– Rema
– Tems
– Tyla
Best Push:
– Ayra Starr
– Chappell Roan
– Coco Jones
– Flyana Boss
– Jessie Murph
– Laufey
– LE SSERAFIM
– Mark Ambor
– Shaboozey
– Teddy Swims
– The Warning
– Victoria Monét
Best New:
– Ayra Starr
– Benson Boone
– Chappell Roan
– LE SSERAFIM
– Teddy Swims
– The Last Dinner Party
– Tyla
**Best R&B:**
– Kehlani
– SZA
– Tinashe
– Tyla
– Usher
– Victoria Monét
The anticipation for the 2024 MTV EMAs is building, and with such a strong lineup of African talent, it’s clear that African artists are making their mark on the global stage. Fans from around the world are eager to see who will take home the top honors, with Ayra Starr and Tyla poised to continue their meteoric rise.
