South Africa’s Tyla continues to shine on the global stage, adding another Moonman trophy to her growing collection at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
The 23-year-old star scooped the award for Best Afrobeats with her hit single Push 2 Start during Sunday night’s ceremony at the UBS Arena in New York. This marks the second year in a row that Tyla has won in the category, solidifying her position as one of the world’s leading Afrobeats performers.
Dressed in a vintage 1990s Chanel gown and sporting a sleek bob, Tyla turned heads on the red carpet before collecting her award. Push 2 Start topped both the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart and the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart. Its music video, directed by Los Angeles-based filmmaker Aerin Moreno, sparked the viral Push 2 Start Dance challenge that swept across social media platforms.
The VMAs saw several other big winners. Mariah Carey claimed her first-ever Moonman, winning Best R&B for her song Type Dangerous, and received the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, presented by Ariana Grande. In a light-hearted moment, Carey joked about the weight of her trophy, prompting Grande to rush to her aid. Carey, however, graciously declined and used the opportunity to praise Tyla’s achievements.
Other honourees included Ricky Martin and Busta Rhymes, who received special recognition. Ariana Grande also celebrated wins with Video of the Year for Brighter Days Ahead and Best Pop. Blackpink’s Rosé made history with Song of the Year for her collaboration with Bruno Mars, APT., while Mars and Lady Gaga won Best Collaboration for Die With A Smile. Gaga was also crowned Artist of the Year. Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet earned her Best Album and Best Pop Artist, while Alex Warren walked away with the Best New Artist award.
Tyla’s triumph adds yet another milestone to her rapidly rising career, reinforcing her status as a proud South African export making waves across the world.
