The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have announced the addition of an Afrobeats category to their award lineup with nominations for several heavyweight Afrobeats artistes.
Among them Wizkid, known for his dynamic sound and cross-cultural collaborations; Davido, whose energetic performances have made him a household name, and Rema, the rising star whose innovative approach to music has garnered him a massive following.
Also nominated is Burna Boy, whose fusion of Afro-fusion and dancehall has earned him critical acclaim among many others.
The nominees for Afrobeats Category are;
Ayra Starr – “Rush” – Mavin Global Holdings
Burna Boy – “It’s Plenty” – Atlantic Records / Spaceship Entertainment Ltd.
Davido feat. Musa Keys – “UNAVAILABLE” – Sony Music U.K. / RCA Records
Fireboy DML & Asake – “Bandana” – Empire Distribution
Libianca – “People” – Sony Music U.K. / RCA Records
Rema & Selena Gomez – “Calm Down” – Mavin Global Holdings Ltd / Jonzing World Entertainment / SMG Music / Interscope Records
Wizkid ft Ayra Starr – “2 Sugar” – Starboy / RCA Records
Notably, Rema gathered two additional nominations with “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez.
Set for September 12, 2023, the 2023 VMAs will broadcast live from Newark’s Prudential Center.