Prepare for an explosive performance, because Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are all set to take the stage at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). The dynamic duo will be making their debut performance of their freshly released single, “Bongos,” during the star-studded event. You won’t want to miss this thrilling performance, so mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 12th, when the VMAs will air live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

“Bongos,” their latest hit, was unleashed to the world on Friday, September 8th, and it marks their second collaboration after the chart-topping success of “WAP.” Notably, “WAP” made history as the first female rap collaboration to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting a new standard for female rap power.

This appearance at the VMAs main show will be a milestone for both Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. While they previously made their VMAs debut on the pre-show stage – with Cardi’s unforgettable performance of “Bodak Yellow” in 2017 and Megan’s energetic showcase featuring “Big Ole Freak,” “Hot Girl Summer,” and “Cash Sh–” in 2019 – this will be their first time gracing the main stage.

Cardi B, known for her memorable VMAs moments, has graced the main telecast before but never as a performer. In 2018, she made headlines worldwide by teasing fans with a sneak peek of her daughter Kulture, only to reveal a hidden Moon Person trophy nestled in a baby blanket. The following year, she had the honor of presenting the MTV Video Vanguard Award to Missy Elliott.

The 2023 VMAs are gearing up to be a hip-hop extravaganza. Nicki Minaj will not only be performing but also taking on the role of emcee for the show. Diddy is set to receive the prestigious Global Icon Award and will also grace the stage with a performance. Joining the lineup are Lil Wayne and Metro Boomin, with the latter bringing Future, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Swae Lee, and NAV for an unforgettable performance.

In a nod to hip-hop’s rich history, the show will feature a 50th-anniversary salute to the genre, following in the footsteps of other awards shows that have paid tribute to its significant impact.

Both Megan and Cardi have earned nominations at this year’s VMAs. Megan is in the running for Best Direction, Best Choreography, and Best Art Direction, all for her music video “Her.” Meanwhile, Cardi is nominated in the Best Hip-Hop category, alongside GloRilla, for their track “Tomorrow 2.”

These two fierce artists have made their mark on the VMAs stage before, with Megan securing two wins – Best Power Anthem in 2019 for “Hot Girl Summer” (featuring Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla Sign) and Best Hip-Hop in 2020 for her solo rendition of “Savage.” Cardi boasts four VMAs, including Best New Artist, Best Collaboration for her feature on Jennifer Lopez’s “Dinero” with DJ Khaled, and Song of the Summer for “I Like It” with Bad Bunny and J Balvin, all in 2018. She also clinched Best Hip-Hop in 2019 for “Money.”

With their history-making collaborations and impressive track records, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s performance at the 2023 VMAs is guaranteed to be a show-stopper, and fans can hardly wait to see what these rap icons have in store.