MTV VMAs Discontinues Best Afrobeats Category for 2026
The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have announced the discontinuation of the “Best Afrobeats” category for the 2026 awards. This category was first introduced in 2023, with Rema and Selena Gomez's collaboration "Calm Down" winning the inaugural award.
South African singer Tyla won the category in 2024 and 2025 with her songs "Water" and "Push 2 Start," respectively. Tyla's consecutive victories led to significant backlash from music fans and critics, particularly from Nigeria, who accused the VMAs of misrepresentation for awarding the Afrobeats category to a non-Afrobeats artist.
As the organizers have not provided an official reason for the category's removal, observers suggest that the decision may be linked to the previous allegations of misrepresentation.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Daily Post. Read the original report below.
Read full article
Continue on Daily Post
Enjoy this article?
Get the weekly Nigerian roundup — top stories, NPFL, naira. One email, Sunday morning.
Related Stories
Burna Boy and Tems Nominated for 2026 MTV VMAs
Burna Boy and Tems Nominated at 2026 MTV VMAs
Jemiriye on Nigerian Artistes' BET Awards Setback
Afrobeats Debate: Is the Genre Declining or Evolving?
BTS Declines 2027 Grammy Submission Over New Category
18th Headies Awards Nominees Announced for 2026 Event
Get Plus234Feed on messaging apps
Same headlines, delivered where you already scroll.
