South African singer Tyla criticizes the Western labeling of all African music as Afrobeats during her acceptance speech at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. While acknowledging Afrobeats' impact, she emphasizes the diversity of African music, representing the Amapiano genre and celebrating her culture.
During the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, South African singer Tyla voiced her concerns about the Western tendency to label all African music as Afrobeats. Accepting the award for Best Afrobeats Song for her hit single "Water," Tyla acknowledged the genre's significant role in promoting African music globally but emphasized the need to recognize the continent's rich diversity in musical styles.
Tyla expressed pride in her South African heritage and the Amapiano genre, asserting that while Afrobeats has opened many doors, it does not encompass the entirety of African music. “The impact that ‘Water’ has had on the world proves that African music can be pop music, too,” she stated. Her remarks highlight the bittersweet nature of the recognition, acknowledging the success of Afrobeats artists while advocating for broader representation of various African musical traditions.
She extended her support to fellow Afrobeats artists, including Tems, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Rema, and Lojay, emphasizing the collaborative spirit within the industry. Tyla's comments resonate with many artists across the continent who seek acknowledgment for their unique cultural contributions and hope to expand the global understanding of African music beyond a single genre. Her statement reflects a growing sentiment among artists advocating for a more inclusive approach to categorizing African music.
