The United States-based MTV Video Music Awards has left the Best Afrobeats category out of its 2026 nominations, a change fans noticed after the nominees were released.
MTV unveiled the 2026 nominees without prior notice, and several major genre categories are absent. The company has not issued a press release or given an official explanation for removing Best Afrobeats.
Best Afrobeats winners since 2023
The category was introduced in 2023 to recognise the international growth of African music. Its winners are:
- 2023: Rema and Selena Gomez, Calm Down
- 2024: South African singer Tyla, Water
- 2025: Tyla, Push 2 Start
Despite the removal, African music artists remain in other 2026 categories. Burna Boy is nominated for Best Collaboration with Shakira, and Tems is nominated in Best R&B.
Other genre categories removed
Best Afrobeats is not the only genre award missing from the 2026 list. MTV also dropped Best Rock, a category that has existed in various forms since 1989. Rock artists have been placed under the broader Best Alternative category.
MTV has not explained the reasoning behind the changes.
