‘Bongos’ live premiere by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion at the 2023 MTV VMAs

The two rap stars performd their new collaboration live for the first time at the award show

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. PHOTO: KEVIN MAZUR/GETTY

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion teamed up to take the 2023 MTV VMAs by storm yet again.

Two years after performing their hit “WAP” at the 2021 Video Music Awards, the rap stars reunited for a second time at this year’s award show. The “I Like It” rapper, 30, and the “Savage” rapper, 28, joined forces to perform their latest collaboration “Bongos” live for the first time.

Cardi B kicked off the performance by descending from the ceiling on a disco ball. Dressed in a Carnival-inspired, royal blue dress, the “I Like It” rapper was joined by a crew of dancers in blue-and-green body suits. After delivering the first several bars of the danceable track solo, Megan Thee Stallion appeared on stage in a glitzy ensemble in the same hue and relayed her own dynamic verses while strutting with her collaborator.

The hip-hop favorites and their legion of back-up dancers brought “real hot girl” energy to the MTV stage, which was decked out in palm trees and tropical neon colors, twerking and beating it up with their fierce choreography.

Megan Thee Stallion.TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP VIA GETTY

The rappers dropped the sexy track, along with its colorful music video, just last week. It marked the first time the two worked together since releasing their iconic, chart-topping hit “WAP” in the summer of 2020.

Both Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion were among this year’s VMA nominees. Cardi B received a best hip-hop nod for “Tomorrow 2,” her song with GloRilla, while Megan Thee Stallion was up for three Moon Person awards: The Houston native’s “Her” video was nominated for best direction, best art direction and best choreography.

Cardi B.JEFF KRAVITZ/GETTY

The stacked slate of performers also included Anitta, Demi Lovato, Doja Cat, Fall Out Boy, Karol G, Kelsea Ballerini, Lil Wayne, Måneskin, Nicki Minaj, Olivia Rodrigo, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Shakira and Stray Kids, among others.

The 2023 MTV VMAs are airing live from The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Tuesday, Sept. 12 on CBS and BET, BET Her, VH1, Comedy Central, CMT, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon and Paramount Network. Viewers can also catch the show through an MTV.com live stream or on Paramount+.