MTV VMAs drop best Afrobeats category, leaving fans asking questions

The MTV Video Music Awards have eliminated the best Afrobeats category from this year's ceremony, leaving fans and music enthusiasts questioning the implications of this decision. The 2026 VMAs are scheduled to take place on September 27 in Los Angeles, but MTV has not provided an official explanation for the removal of the standalone Afrobeats category.

The announcement comes three years after the category's introduction to celebrate the genre's growing international influence and artists' rising global prominence. Afrobeats made history at the VMAs in 2023, when Nigerian sensation Rema and American singer Selena Gomez achieved the first-ever wins, with their hit "Calm Down" securing the award.

The following year, South African artist Tyla added to Africa's success in the category by winning for her breakout song "Water." Tyla maintained her dominance in 2025, securing her second consecutive victory with "Push 2 Start." Although African stars continue to be honored, the removal of the dedicated Afrobeats category from the 2026 lineup suggests a significant shift in how MTV recognizes and promotes African music.

African artists who were previously recognized in the Afrobeats category, such as Nigerian singer Burna Boy and South African singer Tems, now appear to be facing the possibility of reduced exposure through mainstream channels. While some netizens are concerned that this could limit African artists' opportunities for global recognition, others suggest that it might spur broader inclusion of Afrobeats artists across various award categories. MTV has not yet addressed the reason behind this decision.