MTV Video Music Awards 2023: Nigerian Stars Miss Out as Tyla Shines....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards showcased a night of stunning performances and notable wins, but Nigerian artists Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Tems were left empty-handed in their pursuit of accolades. The award for Best Afrobeats went to South African singer Tyla for her hit song “Water,” marking a significant moment for African music on an international stage.

Tyla expressed her gratitude and pride after winning, stating, “The global impact that Water had on the world just proves that African music can be pop music, too.” She acknowledged the complexity of African music, highlighting that it encompasses much more than just Afrobeats. “This award is bittersweet because there’s a tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeats,” she added, emphasizing the rich diversity of the continent’s musical landscape.

While Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Tems did not win, their nominations were a testament to the growing influence of African music in the global arena. The Best Afrobeats category included Burna Boy’s “City Boys,” Ayra Starr’s “Last Heartbreak Song” featuring Giveon, and Tems’ “Love Me JeJe,” showcasing the talent and creativity emerging from Nigeria.

On the other hand, Taylor Swift dominated the awards ceremony, becoming the most decorated solo artist in VMAs history after winning an impressive seven awards, including the coveted Video of the Year for her collaboration with Post Malone on “Fortnight.”

Full List of 2023 MTV VMA Winners

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

• Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” — WINNER

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

• Taylor Swift — WINNER

SONG OF THE YEAR

• Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso” — WINNER

BEST NEW ARTIST

• Chappell Roan — WINNER

BEST COLLABORATION

• Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” — WINNER

BEST POP

• Taylor Swift — WINNER

BEST HIP-HOP

• Eminem – “Houdini” — WINNER

BEST R&B

• SZA – “Snooze” — WINNER

BEST ALTERNATIVE

• Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things” — WINNER

BEST ROCK

• Lenny Kravitz – “Human” — WINNER

BEST LATIN

• Anitta – “Mil Veces” — WINNER

BEST AFROBEATS

• Tyla – “Water” — WINNER

BEST K-POP

• Lisa – “Rockstar” — WINNER

VIDEO FOR GOOD

• Billie Eilish – “What Was I Made For?” — WINNER

BEST DIRECTION

• Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” — WINNER

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

• Ariana Grande – “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” — WINNER

BEST EDITING

• Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” — WINNER

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

• Dua Lipa – “Houdini” — WINNER

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

• Eminem – “Houdini” — WINNER

BEST ART DIRECTION

• Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” — WINNER

The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards celebrated an eclectic mix of talent, with Taylor Swift leading the charge. As the night wrapped up, the recognition of artists like Tyla reflects the changing dynamics of the music industry, where African sounds are becoming increasingly prominent and appreciated on the global stage.