2024 MTV Video Music Awards to Air on MTV

Music’s biggest night returns to New York, marking its first appearance at the state-of-the-art UBS Arena, promising eye-catching surprises and electrifying performances.

The awards ceremony will be broadcast around the world in more than 150 countries. African audiences can watch the ceremony on DStv channel 130 at 2am CAT.

According to MTV, this year’s event will celebrate the best music videos of the past year with supersized performances, epic tributes and unforgettable appearances from the world’s biggest stars.

“We’re excited to bring this year’s VMAs to UBS Arena, one of the country’s newest and most cutting edge venues,” Viacom International Media Networks vice-president of music, music talent, programming and events Bruce Gillmer said. “Celebrating one of music’s biggest nights with the incredible, robust New York area fans is something we’ve been looking forward to since the moment last year’s show ended.”

UBS Arena vice-president of programming Mark Shulman said it was an honour to host MTV and the VMAs at UBS Arena. “This is the culmination of bringing a world-class event to a venue that offers state-of-the-art capabilities and the best in fan amenities. We look forward to welcoming this year’s top artists, fans and viewers worldwide to experience our arena and campus at Belmont Park,” he said.

New York governor Kathy Hochul said they were excited to welcome back the VMAs. “From its origins at Radio City Music Hall in 1984 to this September’s event at the UBS Arena, the VMAs continue to captivate millions, showcasing the very best in music video artistry. As we prepare to host this 40th anniversary event, let’s embrace the spirit of creativity and innovation that defines our state’s cultural landscape.”

Last year, Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ featuring Selena Gomez won the Best Afrobeats Award at the MTV VMAs in New Jersey. The song bested submissions by fellow Nigerian acts Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, CKay and Ayra Starr, as well as Cameroonian singer Libianca. US singer Taylor Swift emerged as the biggest winner with nine trophies including Artist of the Year, while veteran hip hop artist and producer Diddy – who is now facing multiple civil lawsuits accusing him of sex trafficking, sexual abuse and rape – received the Global Icon Award.

First held in 1984, the scheme primarily celebrates outstanding musical accomplishments by American creatives, but over the years it has expanded to welcome musicians from other territories.

April 25, 2024