Tyla wasted no time speaking out on Wednesday night (Sept. 11) after going viral for her request on the 2024 Video Music Awards stage. Halle Bailey and Lil Nas X were tasked with presenting the South African singer with her ‘Best Afrobeat’ trophy.
But, Tyla gagged social media users when she turned to them requesting help with her “heavy” award. “Oh my gosh, you guys know me and holding awards. I’m not strong enough. Please, please, are you able to hold for me,” Tyla said into the mic while facing Lil Nas and Halle. ‘The Little Mermaid’ star made no sudden movements in her red Sophia Couture dress. However, Lil Nas X stepped forward in his Power Rangers-esque ‘fit to hold the trophy.
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Here’s What The Singer Said In Her Acceptance Speech
Tyla then gave her acceptance speech for the ‘Water’ win and spoke openly about African artists producing genres beyond Afrobeat. The 22-year-old is reportedly the first South African artist to win a Moon Person Award.
“This is such a big moment for Africa, African music,” Tyla said. “The global impact that ‘Water’ has had just proves that African music can be pop music too. Like, this is just so special but also bittersweet because I know there’s a tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeats. It’s a thing, and even though Afrobeats has run things and has opened so many doors for us, African music is so diverse; it’s more than just Afrobeats.”
Tyla accepts the award for best afrobeats for "Water" at the 2024 #VMAs pic.twitter.com/yFrCpO0AUI
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 12, 2024
Tyla, Halle Bailey React After Social Media Trolls The Winner For Trophy Request
Later, the singer apparently noted that her on-stage mannerisms landed her in the hot seat. Minutes to midnight and after the VMAs wrapped, she addressed the confusion on X (formerly Twitter).
“Y’all make everything weird….I was not asking my girl Halle…We just girls, STFU I WON A VMAAAA.”
Y'all make everything weird…
I was not asking my girl Halle…
We just girls 💅🏽 , STFU I WON A VMAAAA— Tyla (@Tyllaaaaaaa) September 12, 2024
Tyla’s clapback collected over 4,400 reposts and more than 4.3 million views. One response came from Halle Bailey, who simply wrote, “Exactly” with a heat emoji and “Love you babes congrats.”
exactly ♥️♥️love u babes congrats 🎉 https://t.co/a177ZQg7Oc
— Halle (@HalleBailey) September 12, 2024
Lil Nas X has not spoken out on his social media accounts about the Tyla encounter. Instead, he took to Instagram Stories on Thursday (Sept. 12) to share more images of his VMAs look. Meanwhile, X users have been cuttin’ up nonspot at their interpretations of the trophy moment. Swipe below to catch a kiii.
