Tyla triumphed at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) in Manchester, England. The South African singer took home three major awards: Best R&B, Best African Act, and Best Afrobeats, cementing her influence in the music industry.
Her wins not only showcased her talent but also highlighted her resilience, turning the Grammy disappointment into a night of celebration. Her victory at the EMAs has resonated with fans and industry insiders alike, reflecting her growing impact across multiple music genres.
The star made a memorable red-carpet appearance, wearing a blue tiger-print Roberto Cavalli slip dress, which was a tribute to the iconic tiger-print dress worn by late R&B singer Aaliyah at the 2000 MTV VMAs. This fashion choice underscored Tyla’s admiration for Aaliyah and demonstrated her appreciation for the history of R&B, one of her biggest influences.
As she stepped on stage to accept the Best Afrobeats award, Tyla brought her sister, Sydney Seethal, with her, introducing her to the audience and sharing her gratitude for the support from her family, team, and loyal fan base, whom she affectionately calls the “Tygers.”
During her acceptance speech, Tyla expressed her disbelief and joy, acknowledging the incredible contributions of other nominees, including Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, and Tems, in elevating Afrobeats globally.
She dedicated her win to her fans, team, and family, and also thanked God for the doors that Afrobeats has opened for African music. Her sister Sydney echoed her pride and appreciation, marking a heartfelt moment that resonated with the audience and underscored the strength of her family’s support.
She said:
“Oh my gosh, guys, I can’t believe it. Literally, all the nominees are insane; they have taken Afrobeats so far, and I’m so honoured to be winning this award. I just want to thank my team, my family, and the ‘Tygers’ for voting for me. Thank you so much.”
“Thank you, guys, so much. Thank you to God, obviously, and thank you to Afrobeats. It has opened so many doors for African music,” she added. Her sister also shared that she was proud of Tyla.
Later, in a backstage interview, Tyla was visibly emotional as she accepted the Best R&B award, which was particularly meaningful given her lifelong love for R&B music and admiration for Aaliyah. Holding her trophy, she explained how R&B has shaped her sound, despite her unique blend of genres that sometimes defies categorization.
This acknowledgment of Aaliyah’s influence while wearing a similar dress highlighted her commitment to honoring those who paved the way in the music industry, blending past inspirations with her own innovative style.
Her Best R&B win placed her among high-profile nominees like SZA, Usher, and Kehlani, underscoring her standing in the global music scene. At just 22, Tyla’s victories at the EMAs serve as a major milestone in her career, even as she continues to innovate within her unique musical blend of Afrobeats, Amapiano, pop, and R&B. Tyla’s win signals a growing recognition of African artists and genres on a global stage, highlighting her role in pushing cultural and musical boundaries.
This achievement follows the Grammy Awards’ unexpected snub of Tyla’s debut album, Tyla, which sparked debate among fans and critics. The album, which was considered for Album of the Year, and her hit singles, “Jump” and “Water (Marshmello Remix),” were submitted for Grammy consideration.
Despite her strong track record, her absence from the Grammy nominations list surprised many, especially as her debut had already earned her a Grammy for Best African Music Performance, creating high expectations for her next nominations.
Rolling Stone named Tyla one of the biggest snubs of the 2025 Grammys, acknowledging her innovative work, particularly on her hit “Water,” which they praised as a unique fusion of genres. Her fans and industry critics have voiced disappointment over the Grammys’ oversight, yet her accomplishments at the MTV EMAs underscore her influence and growing popularity.
Tyla’s determination and undeniable talent suggest a promising path forward, regardless of award snubs, as she continues to elevate her sound and make her mark in the music world.
