The MTV Video Music Awards has once again included a dedicated Afrobeats category in this year’s nominations. Notable nominees are Ayra Starr for “Last Heartbreak Song” featuring Giveon, Burna Boy’s “City Boys,” Tyla’s Grammy-winning hit “Water,” and producer/singer Pheelz for his work on Usher’s “Ruin,” among others.
Last year, the inaugural Moon Person for Best Afrobeats was awarded to Rema for the remix of “Calm Down” with Selena Gomez, setting a high standard for subsequent winners. All nominated songs this year exhibit strong potential, with consideration given to their accompanying music videos.
Tyla, in addition to her Best Afrobeats nomination, is up for the Best New Artist award alongside rising artist Shaboozey. The winners will be announced at the VMAs ceremony at the UBS Arena in New York on September 10, where over a dozen Moon Persons will be distributed.
In a major nomination theme, Taylor Swift leads with 10 nominations and aims to make history by winning Video of the Year three times in a row, and for a record-setting fifth time.
To view the complete list of nominees visit here.
Best Afrobeats
Ayra Starr feat. Giveon – “Last Heartbreak Song”
Burna Boy – “City Boys”
Chris Brown ft. Davido & Lojay – “Sensational”
Tems – “Love Me JeJe”
Tyla – “Water”
USHER, Pheelz – “Ruin”
Best New Artist
Tyla
Shaboozey
Benson Boone
Chappell Roan
Gracie Abrams
Teddy Swims
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”
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