Tyla wins Grammy for Best African Music Performance

South African artist Tyla secured a Grammy in the Best African Music Performance category for her acclaimed afropiano and R&B track, “Water,” during the 66th Annual Grammy Awards premiere ceremony in Los Angeles.

The song has gained widespread popularity and earned numerous accolades.

Tyla bested fellow African artists such as Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, ASAKE & Olamide, and Davido featuring South African artist Musa Keys.

Oh my – what the heck!” Tyla said at the start of her acceptance speech.

“Oh my gosh, guys. This is crazy. Like I never thought I’d say, ‘I won a Grammy at 22 years old, guys’,” she said.

She continued: “If you don’t know me, my name is Tyla. I’m from South Africa and last year God decided to change my whole life, so thank you so much to God. Thank you to my team, my family; I know my mother’s crying somewhere in here.”

“Thank you to the Recording Academy for this category. It’s so important and I know I’m forgetting some things, but I won a Grammy! Thank you, thank you,” she said, ending her speech.

Best African Music Performance is a new category for the Grammys, added for the 2024 ceremony.

Renowned music producer Jimmy Jam presented Tyla with her first Grammy.

Tyla, visibly thrilled in a green dress, walked on stage to the live band playing Fela Kuti’s “Water No Get Enemy.”

Despite South African comedian Trevor Noah’s nomination in the Best Comedy Album category, the award went to Dave Chappelle.

Noah also hosted the main ceremony. Theron Thomas, a writer for Tyla and others, secured the Songwriter of the Year, non-classical category.

In July 2023, Tyla released her popular single “Water,” sparking a global TikTok dance craze.

The song reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the first time in 55 years that a solo track by a South African artist made it to the chart.

Tyla, at 21, became the youngest South African to achieve this milestone.