The MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) is a highly anticipated award show aiming to honour and shine a light on those with significant contributions to popular culture. South African artists Tyla, DBN Gogo, as well as Tito M and Yuppie, are among a few African artists to be recognised for their global impact, through music.
Initially created as an alternative to the American Video Music Awards (VMA), the EMAs have grown to be one of the biggest and most diverse award shows, serving as an accurate reflection of the current global music and entertainment scene.
It comes as no surprise that Mzansi’s global star, Tyla secured her first-ever nomination, and it comes as no surprise that she would bag four nominations in her first rodeo. Having one of the best come-ups we’ve seen, the ‘Water’ hit-maker is nominated for Best R&B, Best African Act, Best New and Best Afrobeats, regardless of the artist speaking out about her representing amapiano more than the afrobeats genre.
Furthermore, Tyla was conveniently left out of the Best Push category, which is a fitting category for the young star, seeing as the category shines a light on the best break-through artist.
DBN Gogo, Tito M and Yuppie also received a nod for their hit song ‘Tshwala bami’ which took social media by storm this year. They will be battling it out against their countryman Tyla, as well as Burna Boy, Ayra STarr, Asake and Diamond Platinum in the Best African category.
“The nominations reflect the remarkable talent and diversity of Africa’s music scene, with Afrobeats and other genres making a powerful impact worldwide. Artists like Ayra Starr, Tyla, Burna Boy, and Tems are true ambassadors of African excellence, and their achievements inspire the next generation of creatives across the continent,” said senior vice-president and general manager of Paramount Africa and Lead BET International, Monde Twala.
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