South African singer Tyla achieved a groundbreaking milestone at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, clinching the title of Top Afrobeats Artist and surpassing renowned Nigerian stars such as Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, and Asake. The rising star also claimed the Top Afrobeats Song award for her global hit, Water, marking a historic double win.
Broadcast on Thursday evening, the event celebrated Tyla’s remarkable accomplishments in a year where she was nominated in eight categories, including Top R&B Artist, Top R&B Female Artist, Top R&B Album (Truth or Dare), and Top R&B Song (Water). Her versatility was further highlighted with additional nods for Top Afrobeats Song with tracks like Truth or Dare and Jump, a collaboration featuring Gunna and Skillibeng.
Tyla, hailing from Johannesburg, delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech, expressing her gratitude to fans and supporters. Overcome with emotion, she thanked Billboard, her label Epic Records, her family, her fans (whom she affectionately calls “Tygas”), and everyone who contributed to her success. She concluded her speech with a touching acknowledgment of her African roots.
Her achievements underscore her rapid rise in the global music scene, solidifying her position as a leading figure in Afrobeats and R&B. Tyla’s triumph not only represents a personal victory but also showcases the growing influence of African artists on the international stage.
