“Push 2 Start”: Everything to know about Tyla’s track that won 2025 MTV NMAs award
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When Tyla stepped onto the MTV VMA stage to claim the award for Best Afrobeats with her smash hit Push 2 Start, it wasn’t just another trophy added to her growing collection — it was a declaration of a new era. The South African star, who first stormed the globe with her viral anthem Water, has once again proven that lightning can strike twice. With Push 2 Start, Tyla not only cemented her place as one of Afrobeats’ brightest voices but also showcased her ability to reinvent sound, merge cultures, and ignite global stages with music that feels both fresh and timeless.
Release & Composition
When Tyla unveiled “Push 2 Start” in October 2024 as part of her deluxe project TYLA+, she wasn’t just dropping another single — she was unlocking a new chapter in her artistry. Built on a foundation of amapiano rhythms, Afrobeats bounce, and silky R&B undertones, the song feels like a drive through neon-lit city streets at midnight. The lyrics lean on car metaphors, weaving imagery of movement, ignition, and passion. Behind the sound lies a team of heavy-hitting creatives including Corey Marlon Lindsay-Keay, Sammy SoSo, James McCarthy, Ari PenSmith, and Mocha Bands, but Tyla’s unmistakable voice and delivery are what make the track soar.
Commercial Success & Chart Performance
From the moment it hit streaming platforms, “Push 2 Start” revved up the charts like a turbo engine. It debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, climbed to the top of both the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart and the U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart, and even overtook her earlier viral smash, “Water.” Across the globe, the track proved its staying power, earning platinum certifications in Brazil and New Zealand, going gold in Canada, Greece, and the U.S., and securing silver status in the U.K. For a young artist only a few years into global stardom, the numbers cemented Tyla not just as a viral sensation but as a force in contemporary pop.
Music Video & Visuals
If the song gave listeners a taste of speed and thrill, the visuals amplified the fantasy. Released in November 2024, the “Push 2 Start” music video placed Tyla in a 2000s-inspired car wash, dancing with playful energy, spray-painting cars, and embodying the kind of bold star power that recalls Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love” or Rihanna’s “Shut Up and Drive.” Directed by Aerin Moreno, the video stood out not just for its aesthetic but also for its personal touch — Tyla tapped her high-school best friend as creative director, proving that authenticity and collaboration are central to her brand.
Remix & Collaborations
In early 2025, Tyla took the track even further with a remix featuring dancehall legend Sean Paul. This version merged Afrobeats with nostalgic Y2K dancehall vibes, complete with a retro-styled video Tyla herself directed. Packed with bright colors, daring choreography, and throwback fashion, the remix wasn’t just a reimagining of the song; it was a celebration of Tyla’s ability to stretch her sound while still holding onto her roots.
Live Performances & Cultural Moments
“Push 2 Start” also became a centerpiece of Tyla’s live performances. She electrified audiences during her homecoming shows in South Africa, delivering the song with a mix of pride and intimacy that resonated deeply with fans. One of her boldest performances came at the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, where she sang the track while strutting in angel wings and lingerie, commanding attention in a space that perfectly matched the song’s sensual confidence. By the time she appeared at the 2025 VMAs, “Push 2 Start” wasn’t just a song — it was a cultural statement wrapped in melody.
Awards & Impact
That cultural statement paid off when Tyla walked away with Best Afrobeats at the 2025 MTV VMAs. This marked her second consecutive win in the category, following the triumph of “Water” the previous year. More than just another trophy, it solidified her as the face of Afrobeats’ global wave and made her the most awarded artist in the category’s short but impactful history. Her acceptance speech underscored the significance of the moment — a nod to the African artists who laid the foundation and a promise that the movement is only just beginning.
Legacy & Artistic Growth
What makes “Push 2 Start” so important in Tyla’s journey is how it captures her evolution. With this track, she moved from viral breakout to deliberate hitmaker, from internet darling to cultural ambassador. Critics praised the track’s sleek production, fans loved its playful metaphors, and the industry recognized it as a benchmark of Afrobeats’ integration into global pop. As Tyla continues to experiment with new sounds and collaborations, “Push 2 Start” stands as proof that she can command the wheel — and take Afrobeats wherever she wants to drive it.
