The 2024 Video Music Awards (VMAs) will celebrate Afrobeats music with the newly introduced “Best Afrobeats” category. This category is anticipated to be highly competitive.
Some of the biggest stars in the Afrobeats genre will be leading the charge in this category. They include Davido and Lojay, Burna Boy, Tems, Ayra Starr, and Pheelz.
Chris Brown, Davido and Lojay – Sensational
Burna Boy – City Boys
Tems – Love Me Jeje
Tyla – Water
Ayra Starr, Giveon – Last Heartbreak Song
Usher, Pheelz – Ruin
The fierce competition in the “Best Afrobeats” category is evident as the artistes nominated are some of the biggest Nigerian acts.
Increasing popularity of afrobeats
Afrobeats has gained mainstream popularity and commercial success in recent times. This is evidently so with Burna Boy becoming the biggest African touring artiste and Tems performing at the 2024 Coachella stage. Additionally, Ayra Starr’s newest album, The Year 1 Turned 21, has gathered 501 million streams. It is the fastest Nigerian album to hit this record.
Furthermore, this recognition at the VMAs shows the genre’s undeniable impact. It also spotlights the artistes who have been at the forefront of its rise.
Artistes with the most nominations
The 2024 VMA nominations have shown the continued dominance of popular artists alongside the celebration of Afrobeats.
Taylor Swift leads the VMAs with 10 nominations, including a nomination for Video of the Year for her hit song “Fortnight”. If she wins, Swift will extend her own record by becoming the first artist to win the award five times in the category.
Also, the singer is up for Artist of the Year, as well as a nomination for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration with Post Malone. Speaking of Malone, the artist is hot on Swift’s heels with nine nominations of his own.
In addition to appearing in the Best Collaboration category with Swift, Malone is nominated for his hit “I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen.
Other notable nominees include Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Eminem, each with six nominations, as well as Megan Thee Stallion and SZA, who have five nominations each.
Regardless of who ultimately takes home the coveted award, the spotlight on Afrobeats at the 2024 VMAs is a celebratory moment for the genre and its devoted fanbase.
