MTV EMA creates Afrobeats category, nominates Burna Boy, Asake, others

In the 2023 edition of the MTV Europe Music Awards, the organizers have recently added a fresh category known as ‘Best Afrobeats’.

This new category was revealed during the announcement of the 2023 MTV EMAs nominations made on Wednesday.

The initial nominees in the ‘Best Afrobeats’ category include the popular French artist, Aya Nakamura, as well as renowned Nigerian singers such as Asake, Arya Starr, Burna Boy, Davido, and Rema.

Additionally, Rema’s successful collaboration with Selena Gomez on the hit song ‘Calm Down’ also received nominations in the ‘Best Song’ and ‘Best Collaboration’ categories.

Asake, Burna Boy, Cameroonian diva, Libianca, Tanzanian star, Diamond Platnumz, and South Africa’s Tyler ICU were nominated in the ‘Best African Act’ category.

Burna Boy was also nominated in the “Best Live Performer” alongside Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and others.

American singer, Taylor Swift bagged the nominations (7), including “Best Artist”, “Best Song” and “Best Video”, the latter for her single ‘Anti-Hero.’