South Africa’s Tyla Shines At 2024 Billboard Music Awards, Wins Top Afrobeats Artist
South African singer Tyla made history at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) by emerging as the Top Afrobeats Artist, defeating Nigerian powerhouses like Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, and Asake. The awards ceremony, which aired on Thursday night, also saw Tyla clinch the Top Afrobeats Song title for her global smash hit Water.
Historic Double Win
Tyla’s success marks a significant milestone for South African artists on the global stage. Her win as the Top Afrobeats Artist highlights the genre’s growing diversity and reach beyond West Africa.
Speaking about her achievement, Tyla expressed gratitude to her fans and collaborators. “This is a dream come true! I’m honored to represent South Africa and Afrobeats on such a global platform,” she said during her acceptance speech.
A Record-Setting Night
Born in Johannesburg, Tyla was one of the standout nominees at this year’s BBMAs. She was nominated in eight categories, including:
•Top R&B Artist
•Top R&B Female Artist
•Top R&B Album (Truth or Dare)
•Top R&B Song (Water)
•Top Afrobeats Song, with additional nods for Truth or Dare and Jump, her collaboration with Gunna and Skillibeng.
Her album Truth or Dare and its singles have gained widespread acclaim, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in blending Afrobeats with R&B.
Expanding Afrobeats’ Global Influence
Tyla’s success at the BBMAs underscores the continued global rise of Afrobeats. While Nigerian artists have dominated the genre for years, her victory reflects the expanding influence of Afrobeats across Africa and beyond.
Her hit Water, which earned her the Top Afrobeats Song award, has become a global anthem, topping charts and amassing millions of streams.
A New Era for African Music
Tyla’s triumph represents a new chapter for African music, proving that talent from across the continent can achieve international acclaim. With her historic wins, she has set a new standard for South African artists in the global music industry.
