South African singer Tyla had a remarkable night at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), taking home three major awards: Best Afrobeats, Best R&B and Best African Act, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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The ceremony, held at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, marked the 30th anniversary of the prestigious event and followed a year off due to the cancellation of the 2023 EMAs in Paris because of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Tyla, who made a striking appearance in a turquoise zebra-print Roberto Cavalli dress, complete with a matching fur trim, became the centre of attention. Her look was a nod to the late Aaliyah, who wore the same iconic dress in gold at the 2000 MTV VMAs when she won Best Female Music Video. Tyla’s stylists, Lee Trigg and Katie Qian, completed the ensemble with gladiator-style heels from Paris Texas and silver jewellery.
When Tyla accepted the Best R&B award, she shared an emotional moment with the audience, paying tribute to Aaliyah, who passed away in 2001 at just 22 years old, the same age Tyla is now. ‘R&B is a huge influence in my music, especially Aaliyah,’ Tyla said, her voice shaking. ‘She’s one of my idols, and to win in her dress, I can’t believe it. Thank you all so much.’
Tyla also performed her hit songs ‘Water’ and ‘Push 2 Start’ from her deluxe self-titled album. In a heartfelt moment during her acceptance of the Best Afrobeats award, she introduced her sister, Sydney Seethal, to the audience. ‘If you don’t know her, this is my sister,’ Tyla said, before continuing, ‘I can’t believe this. The nominees in this category are incredible, and Afrobeats has opened so many doors for African music.’
Tyla also triumphed in the Best African Act category, defeating fellow South African artists Tito M & Yuppe and DBN Gogo. Despite four nominations, Tyla did not win Best New Act, which went to Benson Boone.
The night also celebrated other major global stars. Taylor Swift claimed four awards, including Best Artist, Best Live Performance, Best Video for ‘Fortnight’ featuring Post Malone, and Best U.S. Act. Sabrina Carpenter won Best Song for ‘Espresso’, while Ariana Grande was named Best Pop Artist, though none of these artists were able to attend the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts.
The EMAs also paid tribute to Liam Payne, the former One Direction singer who tragically passed away a month earlier in Buenos Aires. Host Rita Ora led the emotional tribute, remembering Liam as someone with ‘the biggest heart’ and a person who ‘brought so much joy to every room he walked into.’
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Picture: Gallo Images
