Tyla becomes only African artist to win at the 2025 VMAs

South Africa’s music sensation, Tyla, has once again made history, becoming the only African artist to win an award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), held in New York City last night.

The 23-year-old clinched the ‘Best Afrobeats’ award fir her global hit single “Push to Start”, marking her second consecutive win in the category. Tyla triumphed over notable nominees including Tems, Burna Boy, and Wizkid – further cementing her status as a rising force in the global music scene.

The star rose to prominence with her viral debut single “Water” in 2022, which catapulted her into the spotlight and established her as a formidable presence in Afrobeats and beyond.

Congrats are in order! @Tyllaaaaaaa took home #VMA Best Afrobeats for “PUSH 2 START” ✨🏆 pic.twitter.com/ogp93yMHs1

— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 8, 2025

This year’s VMA’s also honoured music icon Mariah Carey, who received the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Despite a career spanning nearly four decades and countless chart-topping hits, Carey had never previously won a VMA.

The “We Belong Together” hitmaker was visibly emotional as she accepted the award, telling the crowd she “couldn’t believe” she was finally holding her first Moonman after such an illustrious career.

She also took home the award for Best R&B.

The night’s biggest winner was Lady Gaga, who walked away with four awards, including Artist of the Year. She was followed closely by Ariana Grande, who won three awards.

Rosé, won the Song of the Year prize for her song “Apt” with Bruno Mars.

Ariana Grande posing with a fan at the 2025 #VMAs pic.twitter.com/VpFUvrkLP8

— jace ᡣ𐭩 TATE IN 10 DAYS (@skyylike92) September 8, 2025

the only reason why i would’ve wanted chappell to go to the vmas is so that she could’ve met ariana 😭 whole event was literally just an ariana m&g

— 🐣🚕 val (@chuujisoolia) September 8, 2025

The people have spoken 🗣️ “APT.” by @BrunoMars and #ROSE @numberonehq won Song of the Year at the 2025 #VMAs! pic.twitter.com/xjWPfirrLW

— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 8, 2025