The first Best Afrobeats award was given to Nigerian music singer Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, on Tuesday at the MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, New Jersey, in the United States of America.
Rema won for his joint recording of “Calm Down” with international superstar Selena Gomez.
Along with Burna Boy’s “It’s Plenty,” Davido and Musa Key’s “Unavailable,” Ayra Starr’s “Rush,” Libianca’s “People,” Wizkid and Ayra Starr’s “2 Sugar,” and Fireboy DML’s “Bandana,” Rema’s “Calm Down” was nominated.
The 21-year-old crooner, who is currently in the public eye, dedicated his award to the pioneers and icons of afrobeats.
“I wanna give big thanks to my fans. I wanna give big thanks to my team. Big shoutout to Selena [Gomez]. I wanna say I love you from the bottom of my heart.
“This [award] means so much—seeing afrobeats grow and being on this stage representing afrobeats tonight. I’m so happy. But one thing I will not forget to do this night, is to shout out the people who opened the door for me.
“Big shoutout to Fela who started afrobeats, 2Baba, Don Jazzy, D’banj, D’Prince, Runtown, Timaya, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido for opening the door for us new generation of Afrobeats,” Rema said.
Here is the full list of winners, along with those nominated for the category.
BEST AFROBEATS
Ayra Starr – Rush,” – Mavin Global Holdings
Burna Boy – “It’s Plenty” – Atlantic Records / Spaceship Entertainment Ltd
Davido ft. Musa Keys – “UNAVAILABLE” – Sony Music U.K./RCA Records
Fireboy DML & Asake –” Bandana” – Empire Distribution
Libianca – “People” – Sony Music U.K. / RCA Records
Winner: 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
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