South African sensation Tyla has made a powerful mark on the global stage, taking home multiple awards at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (MTV EMAs) held in Manchester, England.
Story Summary:
- Tyla celebrated a major win at the MTV Europe Music Awards with Best R&B, Best Afrobeats, and Best African Act awards.
- Taylor Swift led the night with four trophies, including Best Artist and Best Video.
- The ceremony included a heartfelt tribute to late singer Liam Payne.
Tyla Makes a bold statement at 2024 MTV EMAs
The 21-year-old artist, who has seen her star rise rapidly over the past year, celebrated a sweeping victory with three awards: Best R&B, Best Afrobeats, and Best African Act.
Tyla’s win for Best R&B marks a significant moment not only for her career but for South African music at large.
Receiving the award in one of the night’s most competitive categories is a nod to Tyla’s distinctive sound and universal appeal.
Following her win, she shared her gratitude with fans on social media, saying,
“This wouldn’t be possible without your love and support. We did it!”
While Tyla was a clear highlight for South African fans, Taylor Swift led the night with four wins, including Best Artist and Best Video for her collaboration with Post Malone on Fortnight.
Swift’s speech, delivered remotely from her Eras Tour in North America, acknowledged the support of her fans:
“The fact that you have honoured the tour, everything that’s happened with the album this year, the video, it’s unbelievable.”
Other major winners included Sabrina Carpenter for Best Song with Espresso, Ariana Grande for Best Pop, and Eminem, who took home Best Hip-Hop.
The awards also recognised Jimin in the Best K-pop category and Peso Pluma as Best Latin Artist. Benson Boone, who won Best New Artist, is among the fresh talent highlighted by this year’s EMAs.
The awards ceremony, held at Manchester’s Co-Op Live venue, resumed this year after a hiatus in 2023. Hosted by singer and three-time EMAs presenter Rita Ora, the night paid a moving tribute to late One Direction star Liam Payne, who passed away last month.
Ora, who collaborated with Payne in 2018, shared an emotional message:
“He brought so much joy to every room he walked into and left such a mark on this world.”
The event also celebrated veteran artists, with Busta Rhymes receiving the Global Icon Award and delivering a medley of his hits, while the Pet Shop Boys closed out the night with a performance honouring their career and legacy.
