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.
