The MTV Video Music Awards took place at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York on September 11 to celebrate the year’s biggest musical achievements.
It was the award show’s 40th anniversary, with many reminiscent moments looking back at historic moments over the years.
The South African star Tyla continued with her winning streak this award season, beating out bigwigs like Burna Boy, Davido, Tems and Ayra Starr to take home the Best Afrobeats Award.
The big win makes Tyla the first South African to secure the enviable accolade.
“The global impact that Water has had on the world just proves that African music can be pop music too,” she said while accepting her award.
“This is so special but also bitter sweet- because I know there is a tendency to group all African artistes under Afrobeats. It’s a thing and even though Afrobeats has run things and opened so many doors for us, African music is so diverse.”
The American singer and songwriter Taylor Swift had the biggest night of all- standing out as a top winner at the ceremony.
“Swift picked up seven prizes, including the top two awards: artist and video of the year. She now has 30 MTV trophies, overtaking Beyoncé as the event’s biggest winner,” BBC Entertainment reports.
The report adds: “Swift used her acceptance speech to encourage fans to vote in the US Presidential election next month, a day after she endorsed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. She also paid tribute to her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, who joined her on set while she directed her award-winning video for Fortnight.”
The stars walked the red carpet in exquisite designs, making for a glittering best-dressed list.
“Every year, the MTV VMAs red carpet sees celebrities in a combination of big-name fashion brands and emerging designers. Whether they don a traditional evening gown, baggy suit, or denim and faux fur (circa Pink in 2000), artists love to present their playful personality in mod fashion for this particular awards ceremony, finding creativity within the lax dress code,” The Independent reports.
The magazine goes on to list rapper Megan Thee Stallion, actress Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift and Tyla among others who outdid themselves on the fashion front.
“The 22-year-old South African star plucked a piece from Area’s new spring/summer 2025 season to bring some color to the night. Her yellow string dress was paired with a blue metallic choker necklace and pink open-toe heels,” the report describes Tyla’s stunning ensemble.
