Tyla Clarifies, “I’m Not an Afrobeats Artist!” Following MTV Award Win

South African singer Tyla has voiced her frustration over the common tendency to categorize all African music as Afrobeats.

In her acceptance speech for the Best Afrobeats Song award at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, Tyla recognized the genre’s role in elevating African music globally but emphasized that not all African music falls under the Afrobeats label.

Representing the Amapiano genre from South Africa, Tyla remarked, “The global success of my song ‘Waters’ demonstrates that African music can also fit into the pop genre.”

She highlighted the rich diversity within African music, noting, “Afrobeats has been influential and opened many doors, but African music encompasses more than just Afrobeats.”

Tyla proudly celebrated her South African roots and Amapiano culture, and also acknowledged her fellow nominees, including Afrobeats artists like Tems, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Rema, and Lojay.