South African singer Tyla has called for the recognition of the Amapiano genre following her win at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.
While accepting the award for Best Afrobeats Song, Tyla acknowledged the opportunities Afrobeats has created for African music globally but emphasized that African music should not be grouped under one genre. She pointed out that she hails from South Africa and represents Amapiano, a genre distinct from Afrobeats, urging the industry to recognise the diversity of sounds across the continent.
In Tyla’s words: “This is just so special, but also bittersweet because I know there’s a tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeat.
“It’s a thing, and even though Afrobeats have opened so many doors for us, African music is so diverse. It’s more than just Afrobeats.
“I come from South Africa and I represent Amapiano. I represent my culture and I just want to give shout out to Afrobeats stars in the same category with me, Shout out Tems, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Lojay and all.”
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