South African singer-songwriter Tyla secured a historic victory at the 2024 GRAMMY Awards, clinching the coveted Best African Music Performance Award for her sensational single “Water,” which skyrocketed to global acclaim via TikTok in 2023.
Expressing her disbelief and gratitude, the 22-year-old artist remarked, “I never thought I’d say I won a GRAMMY at 22 years old.” Tyla emphasized her long-standing dedication to promoting African music, stating, “I’ve always been an advocate for African music. It’s the music that I make. It’s the music that I listen to all the time, and I’ve believed in it for so long. So, I’m just happy that it’s getting its recognition,” during an interview with the Grammys correspondent.
Despite facing fierce competition from prominent Afrobeats luminaries such as Burna Boy and Davido, Tyla’s chart-topping track “Water” resonated profoundly with GRAMMY voters, clinching the coveted award.
The category boasted a formidable lineup, including heavyweights Burna Boy, Davido, Asake, Olamide, Ayra Starr, and fellow South African artist Musa Keys, who collaborated with Davido on the acclaimed track “Unavailable.” Tyla’s triumph underscores the global impact of her music and the growing recognition of African musical excellence on the international stage.
