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Tyla Makes History at the 2024 MTV EMAs 

The South African artist won Best Afrobeats, Best African Act, and Best R&B.

Tyla is on fire! The South African sensation made history as the first African artist to take home three awards in a single night at the MTV European Music Awards (EMAs).

On Sunday, Nov. 10, Tyla snagged trophies for Best Afrobeats, Best African Act, and Best R&B.

​​She said during her acceptance speech for the Best Afrobeats award, “I’m so honored to be winning this award.” She added, “Thank you to Afrobeats. You know, Afrobeats has opened so many doors for African music.”

The singer’s win for Best R&B, however, came as a surprise to her. She beat out major R&B stars like Usher, SZA, Kehlani, Tinashe, and Victoria Monét. “I’m just as shocked as you guys,” Tyla admitted in a video posted on the EMAs’ Instagram account. “I know it’s just so hard to categorize my music. I literally mix so many different genres into one, but R&B is a huge influence on my music, especially Aaliyah. She’s one of my idols.”

Tyla honored Aaliyah with her outfit at the EMAs, wearing a blue version of the Roberto Cavalli dress the late singer famously wore to the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.

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