MTV VMAs Drops Best Afrobeats Category After Three Years
MTV has removed the Best Afrobeats category from its 2026 Video Music Awards nominations, ending the award’s three-year run. The category was introduced in 2023 as African music gained greater global attention. Rema and Selena Gomez won the inaugural prize for “Calm Down” in 2023. Tyla won in 2024 for “Water” and retained the award in 2025 with “PUSH 2 START”, making her and Rema the only winners of the category. MTV has not explained the decision. The change comes as nine categories were removed from the 2026 ceremony, including Best Pop Artist, Best Rock, Best Group and Album of the Year. The move has revived debate over whether African sounds should have a dedicated category or compete fully within mainstream award fields. Burna Boy and Tems still received nominations in non-regional categories for the 2026 awards.
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