The 22-year-old South African sensation Tyla has become the first-ever winner of the Best African Music Performance award at the 2024 Grammys, for her viral hit ‘Water’. The song, which blends Afrobeat, R&B, and pop elements, has topped charts around the world and amassed over a billion streams on Spotify.
Tyla, who hails from Johannesburg, was ecstatic as she accepted the award, thanking the Recording Academy for recognizing the diversity and richness of African music. She also dedicated the award to her fans, her family, and her country, saying that she hopes to inspire more young African artists to pursue their dreams.
The Best African Music Performance category was introduced this year, along with two other new categories: Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Pop Dance Recording. The category aims to celebrate the musical achievements of artists from the African continent, as well as those of African descent, who have contributed to the global music scene.
Tyla faced stiff competition from four other nominees: ASAKE & Olamide for ‘Amapiano’, Burna Boy for ‘City Boys’, Davido featuring Musa Keys for ‘UNAVAILABLE’, and Ayra Starr for ‘Rush’. All of these artists have made waves in the African music industry, as well as internationally, with their innovative and catchy songs.
Tyla’s win is not only a personal triumph, but also a historic moment for African music, as it marks the first time that the genre has been given its own category at the Grammys. Tyla has proven that African music is not a monolith, but a diverse and vibrant expression of culture, identity, and creativity. She has also shown that African music can transcend boundaries and appeal to audiences of all backgrounds and tastes.
Congratulations, Tyla! You have made Africa proud!
