By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
South African breakout star Tyla has once again etched her name in global music history after clinching the Best Afrobeats Award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
The 23-year-old singer secured the win with her hit single “Push 2 Start”, beating a strong lineup of Nigerian heavyweights including Burna Boy, Asake, Tems, Rema, and Wizkid.
This marks her second consecutive win in the category, following her historic victory in 2024 with “Water”.“Push 2 Start” received widespread acclaim for its infectious rhythm and fusion of Afrobeats with global pop influences.
Tyla’s Career So Far
Born in Johannesburg, Tyla Laura Seethal—known mononymously as Tyla—emerged as one of Africa’s most promising young stars in the early 2020s.
She first gained recognition with singles like “Getting Late”, which introduced her unique blend of Afropop, R&B, and amapiano-infused sound to a wider audience.
Her global breakthrough came in 2023 with the viral hit “Water”, which not only topped charts across Africa but also made waves on platforms like TikTok, turning her into an international sensation. The track went on to win the inaugural Best Afrobeats Award at the 2024 VMAs, making Tyla the first South African artist to achieve such a feat.
Since then, she has been celebrated for pushing creative boundaries, seamlessly blending African rhythms with global trends while staying true to her roots.
Tyla’s artistry has earned her a spot alongside the biggest names in Afrobeats, positioning her as one of the leading voices shaping the future of African music on the world stage.
