Rema Triumphs as the First “Best Afrobeats” Winner at the 2023 MTV Europe Music

Rema’s Historic Win

Nigerian music sensation Rema has made history by becoming the first-ever recipient of the “Best Afrobeats” award at the 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards.

A New Category Introduced

The event organizers introduced the “Best Afrobeats” category for the first time at the 2023 ceremony, highlighting the genre’s growing global influence.

Tough Competition

Rema faced tough competition in this category, with initial nominees including French superstar Aya Nakamura and a lineup of Nigerian artists like Asake, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Davido, and Rema himself.

Winners Announced Despite Cancellation

Although the award ceremony was canceled due to external factors, the winners were officially announced on Sunday, November 6, 2023.

Diamond Platnumz Takes “Best African Act”

In addition to Rema’s win, Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz was honored with the “Best African Act” award, highlighting the diversity of African music recognized at the MTV EMAs.

Other Categories and Surprises

The “Best Collaboration” category saw Rema and Selena Gomez’s “Calm Down” falling short of victory, losing to Jung Kook and Latto’s “Seven.” This adds a layer of competition and surprise to the awards.

Burna Boy’s Missed Opportunities

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy, despite his previous successes, missed out on three awards: “Best Afrobeats,” “Best African Act,” and “Best Live Performer.”

This came shortly after he lost all seven nominations at the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards, indicating a challenging year for the artist.

Taylor Swift’s Triumph

In contrast, American singer Taylor Swift stood out with a remarkable presence, leading the list of winners with three awards at the 2023 MTV EMAs. She received honors for “Best Video,” “Best Artist,” and “Best Live,” solidifying her position as a global music icon.

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn