When the VMA nominations got announced on Tuesday, it was apparent that several categories had been quietly removed from contention. One of them was Best Afrobeats. The award was introduced back in 2023 with Selena Gomez and Rema winning for the song "Calm Down." The next two years were both won by Tyla, for the songs "Water" and "PUSH 2 START."

It is unclear why MTV decided to remove Best Afrobeats from the VMAs but it could be apart of a restructuring. Other catagories have been eliminated throughout the history of the VMAs, including Best Video Game Soundtrack, which lasted from 2004-2006, and Best Rap Video, which lasted from 1989-2006.

This decision also comes at a time where Afrobeats as a genre is increasing in popularity. "Dai Dai" by Shakria and Burna Boy recently hit #1 on the Global Spotify Chart and 28 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The VMAs are set to air on CBS and Paramount + on September 27 at 7:30pm.