The 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) have announced an exciting roster of nominees, showcasing the growing influence of African and African American artists across various categories. This year’s lineup is a vibrant celebration of talent, with numerous artists from both Africa and the African diaspora making significant strides in global music.
African Acts Shine at the EMAs
One of the standout categories, Best African Act, highlights the depth and diversity of African music. The nominees come from three regions of the continent, representing a wide array of sounds and styles. Nigerian heavyweights Ayra Starr and Asake, Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz, South African rising star Tyla, along with DJ and vocalist DBN Gogo, and the energetic duo TitoM and Yuppe, have all made their mark this year. Their nomination is a recognition of how far African pop music has come, solidifying its place on the global stage.
Afrobeats in the Spotlight
Afrobeats, a genre that has taken the world by storm, has its own category at the EMAs for the first time in 2023. This year, familiar faces dominate the Best Afrobeats nominees. Alongside Asake and Ayra Starr, other nominees include Burna Boy, Tems, and last year’s winner, Rema. South African sensation Tyla also makes the list, reinforcing her versatile artistry across multiple categories. These artists are not only leading Afrobeats but also pushing the genre into new creative spaces.
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Ayra Starr and Tyla Dominate the Nominations
Both Ayra Starr and Tyla are among the most nominated African artists this year, underscoring their undeniable influence. In addition to Best African Act and Best Afrobeats, Ayra Starr is also up for Best New and Best Push, thanks to her stunning performances and standout hits from her sophomore album The Year I Turned 21. She’s in good company, competing alongside fellow emerging artists like Coco Jones and Shaboozey, an American Nigerian country-pop artist.
Tyla, another star to watch, continues to carve her path. Not only is she nominated in African music-related categories, but she’s also in the running for Best New and Best R&B. Her recent success at the MTV VMAs, where she won Best Afrobeats, signals her growing global appeal. As she continues to speak about the diversity of African music, she could very well take home another award this year.
African American Nominees Make Waves
Across other categories, African American artists are also receiving recognition for their contributions. In the Best R&B category, powerhouse names like SZA, Usher, and Victoria Monét join Tyla, illustrating the genre’s ongoing evolution and impact. Meanwhile, the Best Hip-Hop category sees nominations for icons like Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, and Nicki Minaj, all of whom have left an indelible mark on the genre.
A Celebration of Global Black Excellence
This year’s nominations at the EMAs are not just a reflection of musical excellence but a celebration of Black culture’s global influence. From the innovative sounds of Afrobeats to the groundbreaking contributions of African American artists in R&B and hip-hop, the 2024 MTV EMAs are set to be a landmark event.
The ceremony will take place at Manchester’s Co-Op Live on Sunday, November 10, with voting open until November 6. Fans around the world eagerly await the results, as this year’s EMAs promise to be a defining moment for African and African American artists alike.
