South African export singer, Tyla, has secured her second trophy at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards.

The global superstar took home the Best Afrobeats accolade for “Push 2 Start”, outshining artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, Asake, Shenseea, and Skillibeng, and “Calm Down” hitmaker, Rema.

“I’m very excited, the competition was very tough. Shout-out to all the nominees, shout-out to Africa, and my team. It’s just a blessing to be here winning another award,” said Tyla during an interview at the ceremony at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

About her next album, she shared: “It’s coming and it’s coming in hot. Like for real, just keep an eye out.”

Known for her stunning choice in wardrobe, the “Water” hitmaker walked the red carpet wearing a vintage beige Chanel mini-dress.

She accessorised with chains of gold medallions around her neck, wrist, and waist – all by Pandora.

The piece was from the runway of the Chanel Spring Collection, modeled by Claudia Schiffer back in 1993.

Meanwhile, Lady Gaga was the night’s biggest winner, taking home four awards: Best Direction and Best Art Direction for “Abracadabra”, Best Collaboration with Bruno Mars for “Die With a Smile”, and the top honour, Artist of the Year.

Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each took home three awards, tying for the second-most wins of the night.

Doechii took home two trophies for Best Hip Hop and Best Choreography for her global hit “Anxiety”.

Special awards for the evening went to Mariah Carey (Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award), Busta Rhymes (Rock the Bells Visionary Award), and Ricky Martin (Latin Icon Award).

The night’s performers included Tate McRae, who set the stage ablaze in her first-ever main stage performance at the MTV VMAs.

The 22-year-old “So Close to What” singer hit the stage to perform “Sports Car” and “Revolving Door”.

McRae delivered an incredible performance while in the sand on the stage, showing off her incredible dance skills.

Meanwhile, Carey performed “Sugar Sweet”, “Fantasy”, “We Belong Together”, and “Obsessed” to celebrate her 2025 Vanguard Award.

Other performers included Martin, Gaga, and several DJs such as DJ Snake.

With back-to-back VMA wins, global chart-topping hits, and fashion world recognition, Tyla has firmly established herself as both a music and style icon.

Her triumph is also a reminder of how African artists are shaping not just the global soundscape but the cultural conversation.

Damiano David Announces Tyla and Nile Rodgers Collaboration

Italian singer-songwriter Damiano David announced the release of his new single, “Talk to Me,” featuring collaborations from South African artist Tyla and the legendary artist Nile Rodgers.

‘Talk to Me, feat Tyla & Nile Rodgers’ will be unveiled on Thursday, September 12, at 8:00 pm ET. The track marks an exciting collaboration that unites Damiano’s signature emotive lyricism, Tyla’s distinctive vocal style, and the unmistakable groove of Nile Rodgers.

“As the tour was approaching, I unexpectedly felt a new wave of inspiration that led me to write ‘Talk to Me’. What made this spark even more exciting was knowing that the legendary Nile Rodgers thought the song worthy of adding his solo guitar. I always felt this song should be a duet, and since I’ve recently been listening to ‘Water’. I was completely blown away and really wanted to have her sing it with me.”
Damiano David

Speaking of her own part, Tyla said: “Damiano sent me this record and I instantly fell in love with how nostalgic it felt.”

“I heard myself on it straight away. Excited about how new it feels for me, my tygrs gonna luv ittt.”
Tyla

Nile Rodgers adds, “When I received the song from Damiano and Tyla, I really loved the vibe of it, and I wanted my guitar to be the third voice. ‘Talk To Me’ was a fun one to work on!”