MTV VMAs to remove Best Rock and Best Afrobeats categories

MTV has announced a major restructuring of its Video Music Awards (VMAs) for the 2026 lineup, resulting in the removal of several long-standing categories. Among the eliminated awards are Best Rock, which had been recognized for 37 years, and Best Afrobeats, which had been part of the ceremony for three years.

The Best Rock category will be folded into a newly named Best Alternative category. Notably, no rock artists have received nominations in major general categories such as Video of the Year or Artist of the Year for the upcoming ceremony.

The removal of the Best Afrobeats category has sparked discussion regarding the representation of African music. While some argue that dedicated regional categories can limit artists by grouping diverse genres under a single umbrella, others contend that losing specific visibility for African artists reduces their platform on a major global stage.