2024 MTV VMAs: Nigerian Artists Make Strong Showing in Best Afrobeats Category

 

T he nominees for the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have been revealed, and Nigerian artists are making waves, particularly in the Best Afrobeats category. This year’s nominees in the category include Burna Boy for his hit single "City Boy," Tems with "Love Me Jeje," and Ayra Starr for "Last Heartbreak Song," featuring Giveon. Additionally, Pheelz has earned a nomination for his contributions to Usher's "Ruin." Also, Davido and Lojay have been recognized for their features on Chris Brown's "Sensational," while South African sensation Tyla has been nominated for her global hit "Water."

These nominations highlight the global influence and growing recognition of Afrobeats as a genre, with Nigerian artists continuing to shine on the international stage.

Global Stars Lead the Pack

While the Best Afrobeats category showcases the rise of African talent, global superstars Taylor Swift, Post Malone, and Ariana Grande dominate the overall nominations. Taylor Swift leads with an impressive ten nominations, followed closely by Post Malone with nine. Ariana Grande, along with Eminem and Sabrina Carpenter, ties for third place with six nominations each.

VMAs Set to Dazzle in New York

The 2024 VMAs are set to take place on September 11 at the USB Arena in New York, United States. The event promises to be a star-studded affair, with performances and appearances from some of the biggest names in music.

Full List of 2024 VMA Nominations

Video of the Year

• Ariana Grande – "we can’t be friends (wait for your love)"
• Billie Eilish – "Lunch"
• Doja Cat – "Paint the Town Red"
• Eminem – "Houdini"
• SZA – "Snooze"
• Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – "Fortnight"

Artist of the Year

• Ariana Grande
• Bad Bunny
• Eminem
• Sabrina Carpenter
• SZA
• Taylor Swift

Song of the Year

• Beyoncé – "Texas Hold’ Em"
• Jack Harlow – "Lovin on Me"
• Kendrick Lamar – "Not Like Us"
• Sabrina Carpenter – "Espresso"
• Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – "Fortnight"
• Teddy Swims – "Lose Control"

Best New Artist

• Benson Boone
• Chappell Roan
• Gracie Abrams
• Shaboozey
• Teddy Swims
• Tyla

Best Collaboration

• Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA – "Rich Baby Daddy"
• GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion – "Wanna Be"
• Jessie Murph feat. Jelly Roll – "Wild Ones"
• Jung Kook feat. Latto – "Seven"
• Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen – "I Had Some Help"
• Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – "Fortnight"

Best Pop

• Camila Cabello
• Dua Lipa
• Olivia Rodrigo
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Tate McCrae
• Taylor Swift

Best Hip-hop

• Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA – "Rich Baby Daddy"
• Eminem – "Houdini"
• GloRilla – "Yeah Glo!"
• Gunna – "fukumean"
• Megan Thee Stallion – "BOA"
• Travis Scott feat. Playboi Carti – "FE!N"

Best R&B

• Alicia Keys – "Lifeline"
• Muni Long – "Made for Me"
• SZA – "Snooze"
• Tyla – "Water"
• Usher, Summer Walker, 21 Savage – "Good Good"
• Victoria Monét – "On My Mama"

Best Alternative

• Benson Boone – "Beautiful Things"
• Bleachers – "Tiny Moves"
• Hozier – "Too Sweet"
• Imagine Dragons – "Eyes Closed"
• Linkin Park – "Friendly Fire"
• Teddy Swims – "Lose Control (Live)"

Best Rock

• Bon Jovi – "Legendary"
• Coldplay – "feelslikeimfallinginlove"
• Green Day – "Dilemma"
• Kings of Leon – "Mustang"
• Lenny Kravitz – "Human"
• U2 – "Atomic City"

Best Latin

• Anitta – "Mil Veces"
• Bad Bunny – "Monaco"
• Karol G – "Mi Ex Tenía Razón"
• Myke Towers – "LaLa"
• Peso Pluma & Anitta – "Bellakeo"
• Rauw Alejandro – "Touching the Sky"
• Shakira & Cardi B – "Puntería"

Best Afrobeats

• Ayra Starr ft. Giveon – "Last Heartbreak Song"
• Burna Boy – "City Boys"
• Chris Brown ft. Davido & Lojay – "Sensational"
• Tems – "Love Me JeJe"
• Tyla – "Water"
• Usher, Pheelz – "Ruin"

Best K-pop

• Jung Kook ft. Latto – "Seven"
• LISA – "Rockstar"
• NCT Dream – "Smoothie"
• NewJeans – "Super Shy"
• Stray Kids – "LALALALA"
• TOMORROW X TOGETHER – "Deja vu"

The VMAs this year continue to reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of today’s music industry. The inclusion of Afrobeats further cements the genre's place in the global music landscape. Don’t miss out on the awards show on September 11 to see who takes home the coveted Moon Person trophies.