Afrobeats, a genre that originated in West Africa, has become a global sensation, capturing the hearts of music lovers around the world. This success was recently highlighted by the nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), where major American pop stars, Usher and Chris Brown, have embraced the genre, reflecting its growing influence in the global music landscape.
At the 2024 MTV VMAs, Usher and Chris Brown were nominated in the “Best Afrobeats” category, a testament to the genre’s increasing relevance in mainstream music. Chris Brown earned his nomination for the song “Sensational,” featuring Nigerian stars Davido and Lojay. Meanwhile, Usher was nominated for “Ruin,” a collaboration with Nigerian producer and artist Pheelz.
Other nominees in the Best Afrobeats category also include Afrobeats heavyweights such as Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Tems, and South African artist Tyla, with their respective songs “City Boys,” “Last Heartbreak Song,” “Love Me Jeje,” and “Water.” These nominations underscore the genre’s remarkable journey from being an African sound to becoming a mainstay on global music charts and awards.
American Pop Stars Embrace Afrobeats
Chris Brown’s involvement in Afrobeats is not new. He has collaborated multiple times with Afrobeats artists, including Davido, with whom he has a long-standing musical relationship. Chris Brown also appeared on Fireboy DML’s “Playboy” album and Rema’s “Rave & Roses (Ultra)” album, further solidifying his connection to the genre. Usher’s nomination for “Ruin” with Pheelz marks another milestone, showcasing how artists from diverse musical backgrounds are embracing the vibrant Afrobeats sound.
The inclusion of a Best Afrobeats category in the MTV VMAs, which was introduced in 2023, reflects the genre’s growing influence on the global music scene. The 2024 edition of the VMAs, scheduled for September 12, is expected to further highlight Afrobeats’ worldwide appeal and its potential to bring diverse musical styles together.
Afrobeats began as a sound that resonated throughout Africa, particularly in Nigeria, where it has its roots. The genre quickly gained traction across the continent and beyond, spreading to places like London, where it has become a staple in clubs and on the radio. This growing popularity has led to its inclusion in music award listings across the globe, marking a significant shift from being a regional genre to a global phenomenon.
In March 2022, Billboard, the renowned American music publication known for its weekly music charts, launched the “Billboard US Afrobeats Songs” chart, further cementing the genre’s status in the international music scene. This chart tracks the most popular Afrobeats songs in the United States, offering a dedicated platform for the genre to thrive and reach new audiences.
A Genre Without Boundaries
Despite the global recognition, some Afrobeats artists like Burna Boy and Tems have expressed reservations about categorizing their music strictly under the Afrobeats label. They argue that their music is a fusion of multiple genres, reflecting a blend of sounds that cannot be confined to a single category. Nonetheless, the international attention the genre has received speaks volumes about its impact.
Burna Boy, who has been nominated in the Best Afrobeats category for his song “City Boys,” has consistently challenged the definition of his music, blending Afrobeat rhythms with elements of reggae, dancehall, and pop. Similarly, Tems, nominated for her song “Love Me Jeje,” has expressed a desire for her music to be viewed as genre-fluid, incorporating diverse influences that go beyond traditional Afrobeats.
Nominations for MTV Video Music Awards 2024 – Best Afrobeats
Here is the list of nominees for the Best Afrobeats category at the MTV Video Music Awards 2024:
- “Last Heartbreak Song” – Ayra Starr ft. Giveon
- “City Boys” – Burna Boy
- “Sensational” – Chris Brown ft. Davido & Lojay
- “Love Me Jeje” – Tems
- “Water” – Tyla
- “Ruin” – Usher & Pheelz
These nominations highlight the global appeal of Afrobeats and the cross-cultural collaborations that are driving the genre forward.
The inclusion of Afrobeats in prestigious award shows like the MTV VMAs and the creation of dedicated charts such as Billboard’s US Afrobeats Songs chart demonstrate that Afrobeats is more than just a passing trend. It is a cultural movement that is redefining global music. As more international artists explore and embrace the genre, Afrobeats is poised to continue its upward trajectory, influencing mainstream music in new and exciting ways.
Afrobeats is no longer confined to its African origins. It has become a genre without borders, uniting artists and audiences worldwide. As it continues to gain recognition on global platforms, Afrobeats is set to remain a powerful force in the music industry, pushing boundaries and bridging cultures. The journey of Afrobeats from the streets of Lagos to the global stage is a testament to the genre’s versatility, creativity, and universal appeal.
