Ayra Starr and Tyla Lead African Nominees at the 2024 MTV EMAs
They’re joined by a diverse group of artists across two African-related categories, as well as nods in general categories.
Ayra Starr performs on NBC's Today on October 8, 2024 in New York City.
For nearly two decades, the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) has had a Best African Act category, one of the first Western awards to recognize the growth and variety of modern African pop music after the millennium. This year’s nominees are a diverse mix of artists from three regions on the continent: Nigerian superstars Ayra Starr and Asake, iconic Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz, South African artist and awards darling Tyla, as well DJ/occasional vocalist DBN Gogo, and “Tshwala Bam” duo TitoM and Yuppe.
Ayra Starr, Asake and Tyla are also nominated for Best Afrobeats, a category that was awarded at the EMAs for the first time in 2023. Also in that category are Burna Boy, Tems and last year’s winner, Rema.
The Best African Act is a thoughtful recognition that not all African music can simply be categorized as Afrobeats. Afrobeats has, of course, been criticized by some for becoming a catch-all term for pop music from, and influenced by, West African artists and producers.
In her acceptance speech after winning Best Afrobeats at the MTV VMAs, Tyla emphasized the diversity of African music. She could very well be in a similar position to make a strong statement if she wins either of the African music-related categories. She’s also nominated for Best New and Best R&B.
Ayra Starr also joins Tyla as the most nominated African artists at the EMAs, with nominations for Best New and Best Push, after captivating MTV Push performances of “Last Heartbreak Song” featuring Giveon and “Woman Commando,” a standout banger from her sophomore album The Year I Turned 21. Starr is up against American Nigerian country-pop breakout star, Shaboozey, as well as American R&B stars Coco Jones and Victoria Monét, and many more.
The 2024 EMAs will take place at Manchester’s Co-Op Live on Sunday, November 10. Voting for categories is open on the MTV EMAs website until November 6.
Here are a select list of the nominees:
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
BEST SONG
Ariana Grande – "we can’t be friends (wait for your love)"
Benson Boone – "Beautiful Things"
Beyoncé – "TEXAS HOLD ‘EM"
Billie Eilish – "BIRDS OF A FEATHER"
Chappell Roan – "Good Luck, Babe!"
Sabrina Carpenter – "Espresso"
BEST VIDEO
Ariana Grande – "we can’t be friends (wait for your love)"
Charli xcx - "360"
Eminem - "Houdini"
Kendrick Lamar – "Not Like Us"
LISA ft. Rosalía – "NEW WOMAN"
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone - "Fortnight"
BEST HIP-HOP
Central Cee
Eminem
Kendrick Lamar
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Travis Scott
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