The global music community is reflecting on the future of African music representation on Western stages following MTV’s unveiling of the nominee list for the 2026 Video Music Awards (VMAs). Among several structural changes to the ceremony’s lineup, event organizers quietly omitted the Best Afrobeats category, bringing an end to its brief three-year run.
First introduced in 2023 to honor the rapid global expansion of African sounds, the category was awarded to only two acts during its lifespan. Nigerian star Rema and Selena Gomez claimed the inaugural trophy in 2023 for their global hit “Calm Down,” while South African sensation Tyla earned back-to-back victories in 2024 with “Water” and in 2025 with “PUSH 2 START.”
MTV has not issued an official statement regarding the decision, though the change forms part of a broader structural overhaul. Eight other awards were retired for the 2026 edition, including major categories such as Best Pop Artist, Best Rock, Best Group, Push Performance of the Year, Video for Good, and Album of the Year.
The discontinuation coincides with an ongoing debate surrounding the classification of African music by Western award institutions. During her acceptance speeches, Tyla frequently noted that her work blends Amapiano, Pop, and R&B, pointing out the limitations of lumping the continent’s diverse musical genres under a single “Afrobeats” umbrella. While regional categories historically secured airtime for African talent, critics have argued that separate categories can inadvertently create a glass ceiling instead of fostering full integration into mainstream brackets.
Despite the removal of the dedicated field, African artists remain prominently featured across core competitive categories for the upcoming ceremony. Burna Boy earned two nominations for “Dai Dai,” his 2026 FIFA World Cup collaboration with Shakira, picking up nods in Best Collaboration and Best Latin. Additionally, Nigerian singer Tems received a nomination in Best R&B for her appearance on British rapper Dave’s single “Raindance.”
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards will take place live on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, broadcasting on CBS and MTV while streaming on Paramount+.
