Tanzanian superstar Naseeb Abdul, widely known as Diamond Platnumz, secured the prestigious Best African Act Award at the 2023 MTV European Music Awards (EMAs), marking his third triumph at the event.
Diamond initially clinched the Best African Act and Best Worldwide Act (Africa/India) awards in 2015, solidifying his status as the first African-based artist to accumulate over 900 million YouTube views.
In a newly introduced category, Nigerian artist Rema, acclaimed for his hit track ‘Calm Down,’ emerged victorious in the Best Afrobeats category.
Meanwhile, global pop icon Taylor Swift dominated the evening, securing three awards—Best Artist, Best Live, and Best Video for “Anti-Hero.” However, the best US act honor eluded Swift, finding a deserving recipient in Nicki Minaj, who also claimed the title for best hip-hop.
BTS luminary Jung Kook triumphed in the best K-pop and best song categories for ‘Seven,’ featuring Latto. Italian rock sensation Måneskin celebrated double victories, securing the best rock and best Italian act.
MTV revealed the list of winners on Sunday, October 5, 2023, following the unexpected cancellation of the 2023 MTV EMA Awards on October 19. This unprecedented decision, attributed to the unpredictability of global events, marked the first cancellation in the awards’ history since its inception in 1994. Notably, even amid the challenges of the pandemic, the show had persevered and proceeded as planned in previous years.
See the full list of winners below.
Best Song
Jung Kook feat. Latto – “Seven”
Best Video
Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero”
Best Artist
Taylor Swift
Best Collaboration
KAROL G, Shakira – “TQG”
Best New
Peso Pluma
Best Pop
Billie Eilish
Best Afrobeats
Rema
Best Rock
Måneskin
Best Latin
Anitta
Best K-pop
Jung Kook
Best Alternative
Lana Del Rey
Best Electronic
David Guetta
Best Hip-Hop
Nicki Minaj
Best R&B
Chris Brown
Best Live
Taylor Swift
Best Push
April 2023: TOMORROW X TOGETHER
Best African Act
Diamond Platnumz
Best Asia Act
BE:FIRST
Best Australian Act
Kylie Minogue
Best Brasilian Act
Matue
Best Canadian Act
Shania Twain
Best Caribbean Act
Young Miko
Best Dutch Act
FLEMMING
Best French Act
Bigflo & Oli
Best German Act
Kontra K
Best Hungarian Act
ajsa luna
Best India Act
Tsumyoki
Best Italian Act
Måneskin
Best Latin America North Act
Kenia Os
Best Latin America Central Act
Feid
Best Latin America South Act
Lali
Best New Zealand Act
SIX60
Best Nordic Act
Käärijä
Best Polish Act
Doda
Best Portuguese Act
Bispo
Best Spanish Act
Samantha Hudson
Best Swiss Act
Gjon’s Tears
Best UK & Ireland Act
Tom Grennan
Best US Act
Nicki Minaj
