Tyla, the 22-year-old sensation from Johannesburg, has etched her name into history by clinching the Grammy for Best African Music Performance with her hit Water.
Tyla makes history at the 2024 Grammy Awards
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This marks a monumental moment as Tyla becomes the youngest South African ever to win a Grammy, securing the award in a newly introduced category that celebrates African music on the global stage.
Her victory at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles was not just a personal triumph but a win for South Africa, placing her among the prestigious list of Grammy-winning South Africans.
Born Tyla Seethal, this middle child of five has seen her life transform dramatically within a year.
From viral TikTok challenges to performing on international stages like The Tonight Show and New York’s Times Square on New Year’s Eve, Tyla’s journey has been nothing short of a fairytale.
Her track Water not only showcased her as the first SA solo act to chart on Billboard Hot 100 but also highlighted her ambition to reach the stature of global icons like Rihanna and Drake.
With upcoming performances at Coachella and nominations at the Brit Awards, Tyla’s star is only set to rise higher.
Reacting to Tyla’s recent feat, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated the 22-year-old.
“Woke up to the news of our very own Tyla winning the Best African Music Performance for her song ‘Water’ at the Grammys. She is the youngest African to win such a prestigious award, adding herself to list of eminent South African artists and musicians who have made an indelible mark on the world stage.
“[Tyla] we congratulate you and we celebrate with you. Your win affirms South Africa’s sustained success in various international fora. Thank you for your authenticity and for flying the flag,” he wrote.
South Africa’s Grammy Legacy
Tyla’s win adds her to the list of illustrious South African Grammy winners who have showcased the rich musical heritage of the country on the global stage.
This list includes global ambassadors of South African music such as Black Coffee, who won Best Dance/Electronic Album, and the Soweto Gospel Choir, with multiple wins in the Best Traditional World Music Album category.
Other notable Grammy honourees include Zakes Bantwini, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Miriam Makeba.
Each of these artists, with their unique sounds ranging from electronic to traditional Zulu music, has not only won awards but also hearts worldwide, reinforcing South Africa’s position as a powerhouse of musical talent.
