Tag Archives: Tyla

Tems at F1, Ayra Starr’s MOBO Wins, Tyla’s Vogue Cover—The Girls Are Taking Over!

Tems, Ayra Starr, and Tyla dominated this week. Tems performed at F1 livery for Aston Martin, Ayra Starr made history with double MOBO wins, and Tyla stunned on British Vogue.

The week isn’t even over yet, and it’s already been filled with wins, celebrations, and moments worth talking about from the women leading the music scene across the continent. TemsTyla, and Ayra Starr (two Grammy winners and a double MOBO Award winner) have all been in the spotlight with a winning streak.

It’s been one good thing after another, so much so that it’s hard to know where to start. But let’s begin with Tems. Last week, she made a power move by joining San Diego FC’s ownership group as a club partner alongside Issa Rae. Then she gave us the music video for ‘Boy O Boy,’ and if you’ve seen it, you probably haven’t stopped talking about the moment she picked up a grown man and dropped him on the floor—who knew she had that kind of strength? And just when we thought she was done, she took centre stage at The O2 Arena in London to perform live at the unveiling of Aston Martin’s 2025 racing car for Formula 1 car livery event.

For Tyla, the moment was all fashion. The South African star graced the cover of British Vogue’s March issue, and she absolutely owned it—the styling, the colours, the attitude, the presence. The interview was just as good, giving us a glimpse into her world as she continues to soar.

Then there was Ayra Starr, making history at the MOBO Awards. It had been 16 years since a female artist won Best African Music Act, but she broke that streak and took the award home. And that wasn’t all—she also won Best International Act, winning both of her nominations. Everything na double double! She’s also in New Balance’s lifestyle 740s campaign, alongside Jaden Smith, adding another highlight to an already incredible week.

From music to fashion and even sports, the women came through and owned the moment thai week. Wouldn’t you agree?

Bellanajia/Trendznigeria

Tyla Opens Up on British Vogue, Viral Met Gala Look & Love Life on Jennifer Hudson Show

Tyla joins Jennifer Hudson for an exclusive first look at her British Vogue cover, opening up about her Flintstones-inspired fashion, Met Gala look, and Victoria’s Secret performance.

Tyla was at The Jennifer Hudson Show where she got an exclusive first look at her British Vogue cover, and she had plenty to say! She talked about her Flintstones-inspired fashion, making a statement at the Met Gala, and taking the stage for her Victoria’s Secret performance—yes, those wings were real! She also spilled on working with Sabrina Carpenter and shared her dream collaborations.

She couldn’t hide her excitement about being on the March issue of British Vogue, calling it an unforgettable experience. From working with an amazing team to personally picking her outfits and colours, she was hands-on every step of the way.

Of course, she had to chat about her latest remix of “Push 2 Start” with Sean Paul—who she says was the perfect fit for the track.

And when it came to her love life, she had the best response. In a game segment, Jennifer asked her to describe it in three words, and Tyla simply said, “My love life.” The moment had Jennifer and the audience cracking up!

From her grand entrance through the Spirit Tunnel to the nonstop laughs and cheers, Tyla clearly had a blast on the show.

Watch the full video below!

Bellanaija

Wizkid, Ayo Edebiri, Tems & More Nominated For the 56th NAACP Image Awards

The 56th NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Image Award nominations have been announced, with Tems, Ayo Edebiri, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Cynthia Erivo among the standout names being recognised this year. The awards celebrate exceptional talent across a variety of categories.

The award ceremony will be held on February 22 and will air live in a two-hour broadcast from the Pasadena Civic Center on BET and CBS. This year’s theme is Our Stories, Our Culture, Our Excellence.”

Usher and Burna Boy are nominated for “Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)” for their song Coming Home, while Wizkid has earned a nomination for his track Piece of My Heart featuring Brent Faiyaz in the “Outstanding International Song category. Tems also sees recognition in the same category for her song Love Me JeJe.”

Tyla is up for “Outstanding New Artist,” and Ayo Edebiri leads the nominations with five, including one for “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series,” “Outstanding voiceover,” and others.

In the animated category, “Iwájú” (Disney+) has been nominated for “Outstanding Animated Series.”

See the full list of nominations below.

Entertainer of the Year Nominees 

  • Cynthia Erivo
  • Keke Palmer
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Kevin Hart
  • Shannon Sharpe

Outstanding Social Media Personality of the Year Nominees

  • Kai Cenat
  • Keith Lee
  • RaeShanda Lias
  • Shirley Raines
  • Tony Baker

Motion Pictures Categories 

Outstanding Motion Picture

  • “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” (Sony Pictures)
  • “Bob Marley: One Love” (Paramount Pictures)
  • “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • “The Six Triple Eight” (Netflix)
  • “Wicked” (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture

  • André Holland — “Exhibiting Forgiveness” (Roadside Attractions)
  • Colman Domingo — “Sing Sing” (A24)
  • John David Washington — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • Kingsley Ben-Adir — “Bob Marley: One Love” (Paramount Pictures)
  • Martin Lawrence — “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” (Sony Pictures)

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture

  • Cynthia Erivo — “Wicked” (Universal Pictures)
  • Kerry Washington — “The Six Triple Eight” (Netflix)
  • Lashana Lynch — “Bob Marley: One Love” (Paramount Pictures)
  • Lupita Nyong’o — “A Quiet Place: Day One” (Paramount Pictures)
  • Regina King — “Shirley” (Netflix)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

  • Brian Tyree Henry — “The Fire Inside” (Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Corey Hawkins — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • David Alan Grier — “The American Society of Magical Negroes” (Focus Features)
  • Denzel Washington — “Gladiator II” (Paramount Pictures)
  • Samuel L. Jackson — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

  • Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor — “Exhibiting Forgiveness” (Roadside Attractions)
  • Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor — “Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Danielle Deadwyler — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • Ebony Obsidian — “The Six Triple Eight” (Netflix)
  • Lynn Whitfield — “Albany Road” (Faith Filmworks)

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture

  • “Albany Road” (Faith Filmworks)
  • “Exhibiting Forgiveness” (Roadside Attractions)
  • “Rob Peace” (Republic Pictures)
  • “Sing Sing” (A24)
  • “We Grown Now” (Sony Pictures Classics)

Outstanding International Motion Picture

  • “El lugar de la otra” (Netflix)
  • “Emilia Pérez” (Netflix)
  • “Memoir of a Snail” (IFC Films)
  • “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” (NEON)
  • “The Wall Street Boy, Kipkemboi” (ArtMattan Films)

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture

  • Brandon Wilson — “Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Clarence Maclin — “Sing Sing” (A24)
  • Danielle Deadwyler — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • Ebony Obsidian — “The Six Triple Eight” (Netflix)
  • Ryan Destiny — “The Fire Inside” (Amazon MGM Studios)

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture

  • “Bob Marley: One Love” (Paramount Pictures)
  • “The Book of Clarence” (Sony Pictures)
  • “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • “The Six Triple Eight” (Netflix)
  • “Wicked” (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Animated Motion Picture

  • “Inside Out 2” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • “Kung Fu Panda 4” (DreamWorks Animation)
  • “Moana 2” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • “Piece by Piece” (Focus Features)
  • “The Wild Robot” (DreamWorks Animation)

Outstanding Character Voiceover Performance – Motion Picture

  • Aaron Pierre — “Mufasa: The Lion King” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • Anika Noni Rose — “Mufasa: The Lion King” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • Ayo Edebiri — “Inside Out 2” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • Blue Ivy Carter — “Mufasa: The Lion King” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • Lupita Nyong’o — “The Wild Robot” (DreamWorks Animation)

Outstanding Short Form (Live Action)

  • “Chocolate with Sprinkles” (AFI)
  • “Definitely Not a Monster”
  • “If They Took Us Back”
  • “My Brother & Me” (MeowBark Films)
  • “Superman Doesn’t Steal”

Outstanding Short Form (Animated)

  • “if(fy)” (OTB/The Hidden Hand Studios)
  • “Nate & John” (Unity Animation Project, LLC)
  • “Peanut Headz: Black History Toonz ‘Jackie Robinson’” (Exhibit Treal Studios)
  • “Self” (Pixar Animation Studios)
  • “Walk in the Light” (419 Studios)

Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)

  • David Fortune — “Color Book” (Tribeca Studios)
  • Malcolm Washington — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • RaMell Ross — “Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Titus Kaphar — “Exhibiting Forgiveness” (Roadside Attractions)
  • Zoë Kravitz — “Blink Twice” (Amazon MGM Studios)

Outstanding Youth Performance in a Motion Picture

  • Anthony B. Jenkins — “The Deliverance” (Netflix)
  • Blake Cameron James — “We Grown Now” (Sony Pictures Classics)
  • Jeremiah Daniels — “Color Book” (Tribeca Studios)
  • Percy Daggs IV — “Never Let Go” (Lionsgate)
  • Skylar Aleece Smith — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)

Outstanding Cinematography in a Motion Picture

  • Andrés Arochi — “Longlegs” (NEON)
  • Jomo Fray — “Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Justin Derry — “She Taught Love” (Andscape)
  • Lachlan Milne — “Exhibiting Forgiveness” (Roadside Attractions)
  • Rob Hardy — “The Book of Clarence” (Sony Pictures)

Television and Streaming Categories  

Outstanding Comedy Series

  • “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
  • “How to Die Alone” (Hulu)
  • “Poppa’s House” (CBS)
  • “The Neighborhood” (CBS)
  • “The Upshaws” (Netflix)

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Cedric The Entertainer — “The Neighborhood” (CBS)
  • Damon Wayans — “Poppa’s House” (CBS)
  • David Alan Grier — “St. Denis Medical” (NBC)
  • Delroy Lindo — “UnPrisoned” (Hulu)
  • Mike Epps — “The Upshaws” (Netflix)

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Ayo Edebiri — “The Bear” (FX/Hulu)
  • Kerry Washington — “UnPrisoned” (Hulu)
  • Natasha Rothwell — “How to Die Alone” (Hulu)
  • Quinta Brunson — “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
  • Tichina Arnold — “The Neighborhood” (CBS)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Damon Wayans Jr. — “Poppa’s House” (CBS)
  • Giancarlo Esposito — “The Gentlemen” (Netflix)
  • Kenan Thompson — “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
  • Tyler James Williams — “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
  • William Stanford Davis — “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Danielle Pinnock — “Ghosts” (CBS)
  • Ego Nwodim — “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
  • Janelle James — “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
  • Sheryl Lee Ralph — “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
  • Wanda Sykes — “The Upshaws” (Netflix)

Outstanding Drama Series

  • “9-1-1” (ABC)
  • “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
  • “Cross” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • “Found” (NBC)
  • “Reasonable Doubt” (Hulu)

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

  • Aldis Hodge — “Cross” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Donald Glover — “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Harold Perrineau — “From” (MGM+)
  • Jabari Banks — “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
  • Michael Rainey Jr. — “Power Book II: Ghost” (Starz)

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

  • Angela Bassett — “9-1-1” (ABC)
  • Emayatzy Corinealdi — “Reasonable Doubt” (Hulu)
  • Queen Latifah — “The Equalizer” (CBS)
  • Shanola Hampton — “Found” (NBC)
  • Zoe Saldaña — “Lioness” (Paramount+)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

  • Adrian Holmes — “Bel-Air” (Netflix)
  • Cliff “Method Man” Smith — “Power Book II: Ghost” (Starz)
  • Isaiah Mustafa — “Cross” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Jacob Latimore — “The Chi” (Paramount+)
  • Morris Chestnut — “Reasonable Doubt” (Hulu)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

  • Adjoa Andoh — “Bridgerton” (Netflix)
  • Coco Jones — “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
  • Golda Rosheuvel — “Bridgerton” (Netflix)
  • Lorraine Toussaint — “The Equalizer” (CBS)
  • Lynn Whitfield — “The Chi” (Paramount+)

Outstanding Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)

  • “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)
  • “Genius: MLK/X” (National Geographic)
  • “Griselda” (Netflix)
  • “Rebel Ridge” (Netflix)
  • “The Madness” (Netflix)

Outstanding Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)

  • Aaron Pierre — “Rebel Ridge” (Netflix)
  • Colman Domingo — “The Madness” (Netflix)
  • Kelvin Harrison Jr. — “Genius: MLK/X” (National Geographic)
  • Kevin Hart — “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)
  • Laurence Fishburne — “Clipped” (FX/Hulu)

Outstanding Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)

  • Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor — “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)
  • Naturi Naughton — “Abducted at an HBCU: A Black Girl Missing Movie” (Lifetime)
  • Sanaa Lathan — “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)
  • Sofía Vergara — “Griselda” (Netflix)
  • Uzo Aduba — “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)

  • Don Cheadle — “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)
  • Luke James — “Them: The Scare” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Ron Cephas Jones — “Genius: MLK/X” (National Geographic)
  • Samuel L. Jackson — “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)
  • Terrence Howard — “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)

  • Brandy Norwood — “Descendants: The Rise of Red” (Disney+)
  • Jayme Lawson — “Genius: MLK/X” (National Geographic)
  • Loretta Devine — “Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted By Love” (Lifetime)
  • Sanaa Lathan — “Young. Wild. Free.” (BET+)
  • Taraji P. Henson — “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)

Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)

  • “Black Men’s Summit” (BET Media Group)
  • “Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.” (PBS)
  • “Laura Coates Live” (CNN)
  • “NewsNight with Abby Phillip” (CNN)
  • “The ReidOut” (MSNBC)

Outstanding Talk Series

  • “Hart to Heart” (Peacock)
  • “Sherri” (Syndicated)
  • “Tamron Hall Show” (Syndicated)
  • “The Jennifer Hudson Show” (Syndicated)
  • “The Shop” Season 7 (YouTube)

Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show (Series)

  • “Celebrity Family Feud” (ABC)
  • “Password” (NBC)
  • “Rhythm + Flow” (Netflix)
  • “The Real Housewives of Potomac” (Bravo)
  • “Tia Mowry: My Next Act” (WeTV)

Outstanding Variety Show (Series or Special)

  • “BET Awards 2024” (BET Media Group)
  • “Deon Cole: Ok, Mister” (Netflix)
  • “Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…” (Netflix)
  • “Katt Williams: Woke Foke” (Netflix)
  • “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)

Outstanding Children’s Program

  • “Craig of the Creek” (Cartoon Network)
  • “Descendants: The Rise of Red” (Disney+)
  • “Gracie’s Corner” (YouTube TV)
  • “Sesame Street” (Max)
  • “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin” (Apple TV+)

Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited Series)

  • Caleb Elijah — “Cross” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Graceyn Hollingsworth — “Gracie’s Corner” (YouTube TV)
  • Leah Sava Jeffries — “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” (Disney+)
  • Melody Hurd — “Cross” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • TJ Mixson — “The Madness” (Netflix)

Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble

  • Abby Phillip — “NewsNight with Abby Phillip” (CNN)
  • Henry Louis Gates Jr. — “Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.” (PBS)
  • Jennifer Hudson — “The Jennifer Hudson” (Syndicated)
  • Joy Reid — “The Reidout” (MSNBC)
  • Sherri Shepherd — “Sherri” (Syndicated)

Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) –
Individual or Ensemble

  • Alfonso Ribeiro — “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC)
  • Keke Palmer — “Password” (NBC)
  • Nick Cannon — “The Masked Singer” (FOX)
  • Steve Harvey — “Celebrity Family Feud” (ABC)
  • Taraji P. Henson — “BET Awards 2024” (BET Media Group)

Outstanding Guest Performance

  • Ayo Edebiri — “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
  • Cree Summer — “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
  • Keegan-Michael Key — “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
  • Marlon Wayans — “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
  • Maya Rudolph — “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)

Outstanding Animated Series

  • “Disney Jr.’s Ariel” (Disney Jr.)
  • “Everybody Still Hates Chris” (Comedy Central)
  • “Gracie’s Corner” (YouTube TV)
  • “Iwájú” (Disney+)
  • “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” (Disney Channel)

Outstanding Character Voiceover Performance (Television)

  • Angela Bassett — “Orion and the Dark” (Netflix)
  • Cree Summer — “Rugrats” (Nickelodeon)
  • Cree Summer — “The Legend of Vox Machina” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Dawnn Lewis — “Star Trek: Lower Decks” (Paramount+)
  • Keke Palmer — “The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy” (Amazon Prime Video)

Outstanding Short Form Series or Special – Reality/Nonfiction/Documentary

  • “In the Margins” (PBS)
  • NCAA Basketball on CBS Sports (CBS)
  • “Roots of Resistance” (PBS)
  • “SC Featured” (ESPN)
  • “The Prince of Death Row Records “(YouTube TV)

Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)

  • Ayo Edebiri — “The Bear” (FX/Hulu)
  • Diarra Kilpatrick — “Diarra From Detroit” (BET+)
  • Maurice Williams — “The Madness” (Netflix)
  • Thembi L. Banks — “Young. Wild. Free.” (BET+)
  • Vince Staples — “The Vince Staples Show” (Netflix)

Recording Categories

Outstanding New Artist

  • Doechii (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
  • Myles Smith (RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment)
  • Samoht (Affective Music)
  • Shaboozey (American Dogwood/Empire)
  • Tyla (Epic Records)

Outstanding Male Artist

  • Chris Brown (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
  • J. Cole (Dreamville/Interscope Records)
  • Kendrick Lamar (pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)
  • October London (Death Row Records/gamma.)
  • Usher (mega/gamma.)

Outstanding Female Artist

  • Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)
  • Coco Jones (Def Jam Recordings)
  • Doechii (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
  • GloRilla (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)
  • H.E.R. (RCA Records)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album

  • “Heart of a Human” — DOE (Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration)
  • “Live Breathe Fight” — Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)
  • “Still Karen” — Karen Clark Sheard (Karew Records/Motown Gospel)
  • “Sunny Days” — Yolanda Adams (Epic Records)
  • “The Maverick Way Reimagined” — Maverick City Music (Tribl Records)

Outstanding International Song

  • “Close” — Skip Marley (Def Jam Recordings)
  • “Hmmm” — Chris Brown feat. Davido (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
  • “Jump” — Tyla (Epic Records)
  • “Love Me JeJe” — Tems (RCA Records/Since ‘93)
  • “Piece of My Heart” — Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz (RCA Records/Sony Music International/Starboy Entertainment)

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album

  • “Alright” — Victoria Monét (RCA Records/Lovett Music)
  • “Alter Ego (ALTERnate Version)” — Doechii, JT (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
  • “Boy Bye” — Chlöe (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)
  • “Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar (pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)
  • “Yeah Glo!” — GloRilla (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)

Outstanding Album

  • “Alligator Bites Never Heal” — Doechii (Epic Records)
  • “Cape Town to Cairo” — PJ Morton (Morton Records/EMPIRE)
  • “Coming Home” — USHER (mega/gamma.)
  • “Cowboy Carter” — Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)
  • “Glorious” — GloRilla (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album

  • “Bob Marley: One Love (Soundtrack)” (Tuff Gong/Island Records)
  • “Genius: MLK/X (Songs from the Original Series)” (Hollywood Records)
  • “Reasonable Doubt (Season 2) (Original Soundtrack)” (Hollywood Records)
  • “The Book of Clarence (The Motion Picture Soundtrack)” (Geneva Club under exclusive license to Roc Nation Records, LLC)
  • “Wicked: The Soundtrack” (Republic Records)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song

  • “Church Doors” — Yolanda Adams (Epic Records)
  • “Do It Anyway” — Tasha Cobbs (TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel)
  • “God Problems (Not By Power)” — (Tribl Records)
  • “I Prayed for You (Said a Prayer)” MAJOR. — (NowThatsMAJOR/MNRK Music Group)
  • “Working for Me” — Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)

Outstanding Jazz Album

  • “Creole Orchestra” — Etienne Charles (Culture Shock Music)
  • “Epic Cool” — Kirk Whalum (Artistry Music)
  • “Javon & Nikki Go to the Movies” — Javon Jackson and Nikki Giovanni (Solid Jackson Records)
  • “On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute” — Matthew Whitaker (MOCAT Records)
  • “Portrait” — Samara Joy (Verve Records)

Outstanding Soul/R&B Song

  • “16 CARRIAGES” — Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)
  • “Here We Go (Uh Oh)” — Coco Jones (Def Jam Recordings)
  • “I Found You” — PJ Morton (Morton Records/EMPIRE)
  • “Residuals” — Chris Brown (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
  • “Saturn” — SZA (RCA Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)

Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song

  • “Mamushi” — Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba (Hot Girl Productions LLC/Warner Music Group)
  • “Murdergram Deux” — LL Cool J feat. Eminem (Def Jam Recordings)
  • “Noid” — Tyler, the Creator (Columbia Records)
  • “Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar (pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)
  • “Yeah Glo!” — GloRilla (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)

  • Adam Blackstone & Fantasia — “Summertime” (BASSic Black Entertainment Records/Anderson Music Group/EMPIRE)
  • Leela James feat. Kenyon Dixon — “Watcha Done Now” (Shesangz Music, Inc. under exclusive license to BMG Rights Management (US) LLC)
  • Maverick City Music feat. Miles Minnick — “God Problems (Not By Power)” (Tribl Records)
  • Muni Long & Mariah Carey — “Made for Me” (Supergiant Records/Def Jam Recordings)
  • Sounds of Blackness feat. Jamecia Bennett & Buddy McLain — “Thankful” (McLain Music, LLC)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)

  • Flo & GloRilla — “In My Bag” (Island Records)
  • GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard, Chandler Moore — “RAIN DOWN
  • ON ME” (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)
  • Usher & Burna Boy — “Coming Home” (mega/gamma.)
  • Victoria Monét feat. Usher — “SOS” (Sex on Sight) (RCA Records/Lovett Music)
  • Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz — “Piece of My Heart” (RCA Records/Lovett Music)

Outstanding Original Score for Television/Motion Picture

  • “Challengers (Original Score)” (Milan Records)
  • “Dune: Part Two (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” (WaterTower Music)
  • “Star Wars: The Acolyte (Original Soundtrack)” (Walt Disney Records)
  • “The American Society of Magical Negroes (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” (Back Lot Music)
  • “The Book of Clarence (Original Motion Picture Score)” (Milan Records)

Documentary Categories  

Outstanding Documentary (Film)

  • “Daughters” (Netflix)
  • “Frida” (Amazon MGM Studios)
  • “King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones” (Freestyle Digital Media)
  • “Luther: Never Too Much” (Sony Music Entertainment/Sony Music Publishing/CNN Films)
  • “The Greatest Night in Pop” (Netflix)

Outstanding Documentary (Television)

  • “Black Barbie: A Documentary” (Netflix)
  • “Black Twitter: A People’s History” (Hulu)
  • “Gospel” (PBS)
  • “Simone Biles Rising” (Netflix)
  • “Sprint” (Netflix)

Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)

  • “Camille A. Brown: Giant Steps” (American Masters and Firelight Media)
  • “Danielle Scott: Ancestral Call” (American Masters and Firelight Media)
  • “How to Sue the Klan”
  • “Judging Juries”
  • “Silent Killer” (Kaila Love Jones Films)

Writing Categories  

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series

  • Ashley Nicole Black — “Shrinking” – “Changing Patterns” (Apple TV+)
  • Brittani Nichols — “Abbott Elementary” – “Breakup” (ABC)
  • Crystal Jenkins — “No Good Deed” – “Letters of Intent” (Netflix)
  • Diarra Kilpatrick — “Diarra From Detroit” – “Chasing Ghosts” (BET+)
  • Jordan Temple — “Abbott Elementary” – “Smoking” (ABC)

Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series

  • Azia Squire — “Bridgerton” – “Tick Tock” (Netflix)
  • Ben Watkins — “Cross” – “Hero Complex” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Francesca Sloane, Donald Glover — “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” – “First Date” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Geetika Lizardi — “Bridgerton” – “Joining of Hands” (Netflix)
  • Lauren Gamble — “Bridgerton” – “Old Friends” (Netflix)

Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special

  • Brandon Espy, Carl Reid — “Mr. Crocket” (Hulu)
  • Bree West, Chazitear — “A Wesley South African Christmas” (BET+)
  • Juel Taylor, Tony Rettenmaier, Thembi L. Banks — “Young. Wild. Free.” (BET+)
  • Rudy Mancuso, Dan Lagana — “Música” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Tina Mabry, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Cee Marcellus — “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture

  • Barry Jenkins — “The Fire Inside” (Amazon MGM Studios)
  • RaMell Ross, Joslyn Barnes — “Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Steve McQueen — “Blitz” (Apple Original Films)
  • Titus Kaphar — “Exhibiting Forgiveness” (Roadside Attractions)
  • Virgil Williams, Malcolm Washington — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)

Directing Categories  

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series

  • Ayo Edebiri — “The Bear” – “Napkins” (FX/Hulu)
  • Bentley Kyle Evans — “Mind Your Business” – “The Reunion” (Bounce TV)
  • Robbie Countryman — “The Upshaws” – “Ain’t Broke” (Netflix)
  • Tiffany Johnson — “How to Die Alone” – “Trust No One” (Hulu)
  • William Smith — “The Vince Staples Show” – “Brown Family” (Netflix)

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series

  • Carl Franklin — “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” – “Blame It on the Rain” (Netflix)
  • Marta Cunningham — “Genius: MLK/X” – “Protect Us” (National Geographic)
  • Marta Cunningham — “Genius: MLK/X” – “Who We Are” (National Geographic)
  • Paris Barclay — “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” – “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” (Netflix)
  • Rapman — “Supacell” – “Supacell” (Netflix)

Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie, Documentary, or Special

  • Kelley Kali — “Kemba” (BET+)
  • Marcelo Gama — “BET Awards 2024” (BET Media Group)
  • Shanta Fripp — “Black Men’s Summit” (BET Media Group)
  • Thembi L. Banks — “Young. Wild. Free” (BET+)
  • Tina Mabry — “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can Eat” (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture

  • Jeymes Samuel — “The Book of Clarence” (Sony Pictures)
  • Malcolm Washington — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • RaMell Ross — “Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Reinaldo Marcus Green — “Bob Marley: One Love” (Paramount Pictures)
  • Steve McQueen — “Blitz” (Apple Original Films)

Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)

  • Bao Nguyen — “The Greatest Night in Pop” (Netflix)
  • Dawn Porter — “Luther: Never Too Much” (Sony Music Entertainment/Sony Music Publishing/CNN Films)
  • Deborah Riley Draper — “James Brown: Say It Loud” (A&E)
  • Jason Pollard, Sam Pollard — “Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys” (A&E)
  • Nneka Onuorah — “Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words” (Amazon Prime Video)

Literary Categories  

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction

  • “A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” — Tia Williams (Grand Central Publishing – Hachette Book Group)
  • “Grown Woman” — Sarai Johnson (Harper – HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “Neighbors and Other Stories” — Diane Oliver, Tayari Jones (Foreword) (Grove Atlantic)
  • “One of Us Knows: A Thriller” — Alyssa Cole (William Morrow – HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “What You Leave Behind” — Wanda M. Morris (William Morrow – HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Literary Work – Nonfiction

  • “A Passionate Mind in Relentless Pursuit: The Vision of Mary McLeod Bethune” — Noliwe Rooks (Penguin Press – Penguin Books)
  • “Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest” — Fawn Weaver (Melcher Media Inc.)
  • “Picturing Black History: Photographs and Stories that Changed the World” — Daniela Edmeier,
    Damarius Johnson, Nicholas B. Breyfogle and Steven Conn (Abrams Books – Harry N. Abrams)
  • “The 1619 Project: A Visual Experience” — Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times Magazine (Clarkson Potter – Crown Publishing Group)
  • “The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America” — Larry Tye (Mariner Books – HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author

  • “A Kind of Madness” — Uche Okonkwo (Tin House Books)
  • “AfroCentric Style: A Celebration of Blackness & Identity in Pop Culture” — Shirley Neal (HarperCollins Amistad)
  • “Grown Woman” — Sarai Johnson (Harper – HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “Masquerade” — O.O. Sangoyomi (Forge Books – Tor Publishing Group)
  • “Swift River” — Essie Chambers (Simon & Schuster)

Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography

  • “Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me” — Whoopi Goldberg (Blackstone Publishing)
  • “By the Time You Read This: The Space Between Cheslie’s Smile and Mental Illness” ― Her
    Story in Her Own Words — Cheslie Kryst and April Simpkins (Forefront Books)
  • “Do It Anyway: Don’t Give Up Before It Gets Good” — Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Sarah Jakes Roberts (Foreword) (WaterBrook – Penguin Random House)
  • “Lovely One: A Memoir” — Ketanji Brown Jackson (Random House)
  • “Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America” — JoyAnn Reid (Mariner Books – HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional

  • “Black Joy Playbook: 30 Days of Intentionally Reclaiming Your Delight” — Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggets (Ink & Willow – Penguin Random House)
  • “I Did a New Thing: 30 Days to Living Free (A Feeding the Soul Book)” — Tabitha Brown (William Morrow – HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “Loving Your Black Neighbor as Yourself: A Guide to Closing the Space Between Us” — Chanté Griffin (WaterBrook – Penguin Random House)
  • “Radical Self-Care: Rituals for Inner Resilience” — Rebecca Moore (Author), Amberlee Green (Illustrator) (The Quarto Group/Leaping Hare Press)
  • “Wash Day: Passing on the Legacy, Rituals, and Love of Natural Hair” — Tomesha Faxio (Clarkson Potter – Crown Publishing Group)

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry

  • “Bluff: Poems” — Danez Smith (Graywolf Press)
  • “Good Dress” — Brittany Rogers (Tin House Books)
  • “Load in Nine Times: Poems” — Frank X Walker (Liveright Publishing – W.W. Norton & Company)
  • “Song of My Softening” — Omotara James (Alice James Books)
  • “This Is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets” — Kwame Alexander (Little, Brown and Company)

Outstanding Literary Work – Children

  • “All I Need to Be” — Rachel Ricketts (Author), Tiffany Rose (Illustrator) with Luana Horry (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)
  • “Cicely Tyson” — Renée Watson (Author), Sherry Shine (Illustrator) (Amistad Books for Young Readers)
  • “Crowning Glory: A Celebration of Black Hair” — Carole Boston Weatherford (Author), Ekua Holmes (Illustrator) (Candlewick Press)
  • “My Hair Is a Book” — Maisha Oso (Author), London Ladd (Illustrator) (HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!): A Lil TJ Book” — Taraji P. Henson (Author), Paul Kellam (Illustrator) (Zonderkidz – HarperCollins)

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens

  • “American Wings: Chicago’s Pioneering Black Aviators and the Race for Equality in the Sky” —
    Sherri L. Smith and Elizabeth Wein (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers)
  • “Barracoon Adapted for Young Readers The Story of the Last Black Cargo” — Zora Neale Hurston, Ibram X. Kendi (Adapted by), Jazzmen Lee-Johnson (Illustrator) (Amistad Books for Young Readers)
  • “Black Star: The Door of No Return” — Kwame Alexander (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
  • “Brushed Between Cultures: A YA Coming of Age Novel Set in Brooklyn, New York” — Samarra St. Hilaire (Samarra St. Hilaire)
  • “Clutch Time: A Shot Clock Novel (Shot Clock, 2)” — Caron Butler and Justin A. Reynolds (HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Graphic Novel

  • “Big Jim and the White Boy: An American Classic Reimagined” — David F. Walker and Marcus Kwame Anderson (Ten Speed Graphic – Penguin Random House)
  • “Black Defender: The Awakening” — Dr. David Washington, Mr. Zhengis Tasbolatov (Illustrator), Mr. Billy Blanks (Foreword) (Washington Comix)
  • “Gamerville” — Johnnie Christmas (HarperAlley – HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “Ghost Roast” — Shawneé Gibbs, Shawnelle Gibbs, Emily Cannon (Illustrator) (Versify – HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “Punk Rock Karaoke” — Bianca Xunise (Viking Books for Young Readers)

Podcast Categories  

Outstanding News and Information Podcast

  • “SundayCivics” (LJW Community Strategies)
  • “After the Uprising” (iHeartPodcasts, Double Asterisk)
  • “Into America: Uncounted Millions” (MSNBC)
  • “Native Land Pod” (iHeartPodcasts, Reasoned Choice Media)
  • “The Assignment with Audie Cornish” (CNN Audio)

Outstanding Lifestyle/Self–Help Podcast

  • “Balanced Black Girl” (Dear Media)
  • “Is This Going to Cause An Argument” (Seven14Seven Media)
  • “The R Spot with Iyanla” (Shondaland)
  • “Therapy for Black Girls” (iHeartPodcasts)
  • “We Don’t Always Agree with Ryan & Sterling” (ABF Creative & Indian Meadows Productions)

Outstanding Society and Culture Podcast

  • “Baby, This is Keke Palmer” (Wondery)
  • “Club Shay Shay” (Shay Shay Media & The Volume)
  • “Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay” (The Ringer)
  • “We Don’t Always Agree with Ryan & Sterling” (ABF Creative & Indian Meadows Productions)
  • “What Now? with Trevor Noah” (Spotify Studios in partnership with Day Zero Productions and Fulwell 73)

Outstanding Sports, Arts and Entertainment Podcast

  • “Naked Sports with Cari Champion” (The Black Effect Podcast Network)
  • “Nightcap” (Shay Shay Media & The Volume)
  • “Questlove Supreme” (iHeartPodcasts)
  • “R&B Money Podcast” (R&B Money)
  • “Two Funny Mamas” (Mocha Podcasts Network)

Outstanding Podcast – Limited Series/Short Form

  • “About the Journey” (Marriott Bonvoy, AT WILL MEDIA & mntra)
  • “Squeezed with Yvette Nicole Brown” (Lemonda Media)
  • “Stranded” (Broadway Video)
  • “The Wonder of Stevie” (Audible, Higher Ground and Pineapple Street Studios)
  • “When We Win with Maya Rupert” (Lemonada Media)

Costume Design, Make-Up and Hairstyling Categories  

Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Film)

  • Ernesto Martinez — “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)
  • Megan Coates — “Shirley” (Netflix)
  • Gersha Phillips — “The Big Cigar” (Apple TV+)
  • Francine Jamison-Tanchuck — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • Paul Tazewell — “Wicked” (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Make-up (Television or Film)

  • Carol Rasheed — “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)
  • Debi Young — “Shirley” (Netflix)
  • Rebecca Lee — “Shōgun” (Netflix)
  • Matiki Anoff — “The Book of Clarence” (Sony Pictures)
  • Para Malden — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)

Outstanding Hairstyling (Television or Film)

  • Terry Hunt — “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
  • Lawrence Davis — “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)
  • Nakoya Yancey — “Shirley” (Netflix)
  • Brian Badie — “The Penguin” (HBO/Max)
  • Andrea Mona Bowman — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)

Stunt Category  

Outstanding Stunt Ensemble (TV or Film)

  • “Cross” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • “Grotesquerie” (FX/Hulu)
  • “Rebel Ridge” (Netflix)
  • “Red One” (Amazon MGM Studios)
  • “Them: The Scare” (Amazon Prime Video)

Barack Obama Features Nigeria’s Rema Others in his 2024 Favorite Songs

Former President Celebrates Music from Around the World
Former U.S. President Barack Obama has once again released his much-anticipated annual list of favorite songs, showcasing a diverse selection of global artists. Among the highlights of the 25-track compilation is Nigeria’s Afrobeats sensation Rema, whose song “Yayo” secured a spot alongside hits from Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Beyoncé, and many more.

Rema Shines on Obama’s Playlist
Rema’s inclusion in the prestigious list underscores the growing global influence of Afrobeats. His track, “Yayo,” represents Nigerian music on the list, further solidifying the genre’s dominance on the international stage.

Diverse Musical Selections
The list features a mix of genres and artists from various corners of the world. Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up” and the Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman duet “Right Back to It” are among the standout selections. Other artists, such as Billie Eilish, Tyla, Fontaines D.C., Shaboozey, and Moses Sumney, also made their mark on Obama’s eclectic playlist.

Here’s the full list of Barack Obama’s Favorite Music of 2024:

  1. Kendrick Lamar: “Squabble Up”
  2. Billie Eilish: “Lunch”
  3. Rema: “Yayo”
  4. Tyla / Gunna / Skillibeng: “Jump”
  5. Central Cee / Lil Baby: “Band4Band”
  6. Ezra Collective / Yazmin Lacey: “God Gave Me Feet for Dancing”
  7. The Red Clay Strays: “Ramblin’”
  8. Fontaines D.C.: “Favourite”
  9. Asake / Travis Scott: “Active”
  10. Shaboozey: “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
  11. Bonny Light Horseman: “Old Dutch”
  12. Rae Khalil: “Is It Worth It”
  13. Beyoncé: “Texas Hold ’Em”
  14. Jordan Adetunji: “Kehlani”
  15. Artemas: “I Like the Way You Kiss Me”
  16. Johnny Blue Skies: “Scooter Blues”
  17. Hozier: “Too Sweet”
  18. Leon Bridges: “Peaceful Place”
  19. Tommy Richman: “Million Dollar Baby”
  20. Waxahatchee: “Right Back to It” [ft. MJ Lenderman]
  21. Myles Smith: “Stargazing”
  22. Jack White: “That’s How I’m Feeling”
  23. Moses Sumney: “Gold Coast”
  24. Karol G: “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”
  25. FloyyMenor & Cris MJ: “Gata Only”

A Tradition of Celebrating Music
Obama’s music lists have become a cherished tradition, offering a glimpse into the former president’s diverse musical taste. Earlier this year, he shared his summer playlist, which included “Million Dollar Baby” by Tommy Richman, a song that also appears on his year-end favorites.

Afrobeats Goes Global
Rema’s presence on the list highlights the unstoppable rise of Afrobeats in the global music scene. The genre has garnered massive international acclaim in recent years, with artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and now Rema making waves far beyond Africa.

A Legacy of Musical Appreciation
Obama’s music selections continue to resonate with fans worldwide, celebrating creativity and showcasing the power of music to bridge cultures. For Rema and other featured artists, the recognition from one of the world’s most respected figures is a testament to their influence and talent.

Tyla’s Historic Wins at MTV EMAs: Celebrates Afrobeats Influence

South African Singer Triumphs in Best Afrobeats, Best African Act, and Best R&B Categories

South African singer Tyla made headlines at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) by securing three major titles: Best Afrobeats, Best African Act, and Best R&B. This impressive feat saw her surpass notable African artists, including Ayra Starr, DBN Gogo, Diamond Platnumz, and TitoM & Yuppe.

Tyla Acknowledges Afrobeats’ Impact on African Music

In her acceptance speech, Tyla expressed gratitude for the influence of Afrobeats on her music journey. “Thank you to Afrobeats,” she said. “It has opened many doors for African music.” Her recognition of Afrobeats highlights the genre’s global impact, which has propelled African sounds onto international stages. Tyla’s music, though rooted in South African Amapiano, incorporates Afrobeats influences, as seen in her hit single “Water.”

A Continuing Streak of Recognition

This achievement follows Tyla’s previous win at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), where she also honored her Amapiano roots. Despite her primary genre, Tyla’s embrace of Afrobeats has broadened her reach and earned her critical acclaim, particularly with the success of “Water,” a track that fuses South African and West African musical elements.

Beating Out Top African Talent

Tyla’s success at the EMAs is especially noteworthy given the strength of her competitors. In both the VMAs and EMAs, she triumphed over prominent Nigerian artists such as Asake, Rema, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, and Tems. Her wins underscore her growing influence in African and global music scenes.

A Landmark Year for African Music

Tyla’s victories at the MTV EMAs mark a significant moment for African music, highlighting the genre-blending approach that is making African artists a force in global pop culture. As Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African genres continue to resonate worldwide, Tyla’s success symbolizes the cultural shift that is bringing African sounds to the forefront of the music industry.

With more artists blending genres and cultures, the future of African music on the world stage looks brighter than ever.

Ayra Starr Dismisses Comparisons with Tyla, Emphasizes Unity in African Music

Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has addressed the ongoing comparisons between herself and South African singer Tyla, asserting that the talk does not affect her or their friendship. Speaking candidly in a recent interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra, Starr emphasized the importance of unity within the African music industry as the genre gains international traction.

“Tyla Is My Homegirl”: Ayra Starr Stands by Friendship

In her interview, Ayra Starr spoke warmly about her relationship with Tyla, describing her as a close friend and confidant. “Tyla is my homegirl, that’s my G,” she said. Starr made it clear that the comparisons circulating on social media and in the press do not impact her view of their friendship, adding, “That doesn’t bother me at all. I don’t care about all of that. Less noise, more music.”

Fostering Unity in Afrobeats and African Music

Starr used the platform to encourage collaboration over competition among African artists, particularly as African music, including Afrobeats, gains global recognition. She urged fans and industry insiders to support one another, saying, “Let’s support each other…afrobeats and African music is about to take over the world, and we have to come together to be able to do that. There’s no need for comparisons.”

Grammy Recognition for Both Artists

Ayra Starr and Tyla were both nominated in the Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Grammy Awards, a milestone highlighting their international success. Though Tyla ultimately took home the award, Starr’s positive response underscores her commitment to celebrating the success of fellow African artists.

As Afrobeats and African music continue to rise on the global stage, Ayra Starr’s comments reflect a spirit of unity that is becoming increasingly essential in pushing the genre forward.