2024 GRAMMYs: Tyla Wins First GRAMMY Award for Outstanding African Musical Performance
“I never thought I’d say I won a GRAMMY at 22 years old,” expressed the South African vocalist. Despite facing formidable competition, including the eminent Afrobeats sensations Burna Boy and Davido, Tyla’s chart-topping track “Water” unquestionably captured the hearts of GRAMMY voters
Tyla has secured the coveted golden gramophone for Exceptional African Music Performance— a groundbreaking classification— at the 2024 GRAMMYs, courtesy of her track “Water.”
The South African sensation triumphed over ASAKE & Olamide (“Amapiano”); Burna Boy (“City BoysMiracle”); Davido Featuring Musa Keys (“UNAVAILABLE”); and Ayra Starr (“Rush”).
The 22-year-old songstress was caught off guard when presented with the trophy, handed over by Jimmy Jam during the GRAMMYs Premiere Ceremony.
“This is crazy, I never thought I’d say I won a GRAMMY at 22 years old.”
Despite facing fierce competition from notable Afrobeats luminaries Burna Boy and Davido, Tyla’s chart-topping anthem “Water” proved irresistible to GRAMMY voters.
The amapiano-infused pop track made its debut on the Billboard Hot 100 last year, marking the first time for a solo South African artist since Hugh Masekala in 1968. It later reached its zenith at No. 7, solidifying her position as the highest-charting African female solo artist in Billboard history.
The song also ascended to the pinnacle of the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs and Hip-Hop/R&B charts.
During her acceptance speech, Tyla expressed gratitude to her family, stating, “I know my mother’s shedding tears somewhere in this room.” Tyla etches her name in history as the inaugural victor of the Best African Music Performance category.
According to Academy President Harvey Mason Jr., the category was established to recognize music originating from the continent.
“I would like to witness the acknowledgment of even more music from Africa and various regions of the world,” Mason mentioned in an interview with GRAMMY.com.
“The future of the Recording Academy will focus on fairness. We’re not only spotlighting music making waves in our country; we’re applauding music from all corners of the globe.”
Stay tuned for further updates from the Grand Night of Music!
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