The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards took place on Tuesday, September 12 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and honored some of the most well-known people in the Top 40 music industry.
In a notable accomplishment, American pop star Selena Gomez and Nigerian vocalist Rema won the first prize in the Best Afrobeats category for their number-one hit “Calm Down.”
For their joint project, “Calm Down,” Gomez, 31, and Rema, 23, received nominated in a number of categories, including Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, and, obviously, Best Afrobeats.
Their song beat over a strong field of competitors, including Ayra Starr’s “Rush,” Burna Boy’s “It’s Plenty,” Davido and Musa Key’s “Unavailable,” Libianca’s “People,” Wizkid and Ayra Starr’s “2 Sugar,” and Fireboy DML’s “Bandana,” to win the award for Best Afrobeats.
Rema thanked everyone who helped him get started in the business and praised the pioneers of the genre in his victory speech.
In his word he was quoted saying:
Seeing how much Afrobeats has grown and being here today on stage as their representative means the world to me.
Huge thanks to those who helped me in by opening the doors.
Huge kudos to Fela, who originally popularized Afrobeat.
Wizkid, Burna Boy, Runtown, Timaya, Don Jazzy, D’banj, D’Prince, Tubaba
Watch video below
