South African singer and global sensation, Tyla, made waves last night as she accepted the coveted “Global Force” Award at the prestigious Billboard R&B #1’s Event. Tyla shared the spotlight with music icons Usher, Victoria Monét, Lucky Daye, and the late Luther Vandross, all of whom were honored for their contributions to R&B and the global music scene.

During her heartfelt acceptance speech, Tyla reflected on her journey to global stardom. “I remember when everyone used to feel like this was so unattainable, especially from where I’m from,” she said, addressing the audience with gratitude and pride. For Tyla, the moment marked not just a personal triumph but a victory for South African artists breaking barriers on the international stage.

Tyla’s rise to fame has been nothing short of meteoric. Once a dreamer aspiring to become Africa’s first pop superstar, she has since captivated audiences across the world with her unique fusion of pop and Amapiano—an infectious South African music genre. Her distinct “Papiano” sound has resonated far beyond her home country, with performances in the U.S., France, Portugal, Japan, South Korea, and beyond.

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Her breakthrough came last summer with the smash hit “Water,” which not only earned her a spot in the Hot 100 Top 10 but also dominated the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart for an incredible 46 weeks.

“Water” spent eight weeks at No. 1 on the mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, proving her staying power. Tyla further cemented her status when she won the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance earlier this year, becoming the youngest African artist to achieve such a feat.

Despite facing setbacks earlier in the year, including the cancellation of her first headlining world tour and a scheduled Coachella performance due to injury, Tyla’s momentum remains unstoppable. She has graced stages at major events like Spotify Beach at Cannes Lions and Afro Nation Portugal, and her latest single “Jump” from her self-titled debut album continues to make waves. Currently, it’s holding strong at No. 19 on Rhythmic Airplay and No. 3 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.

“Water” has become a global anthem, entering the top ten charts in countries like South Africa, the U.K., and the U.S., and making history as the first song by a South African solo artist to enter the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in over five decades. The song’s success was a precursor to her self-titled debut album, released in March 2024, which was met with widespread acclaim and solid commercial performance, entering the top 25 in multiple countries.

Tyla’s accolades continue to pile up. Alongside her Grammy win, she has earned nominations for prestigious awards such as the BRIT Award, Soul Train Music Award, MOBO Award, and South African Music Awards. At the 2024 BET Awards, she tied with Usher and Victoria Monét for the most awards of the night, a testament to her undeniable talent and influence.

Dubbed the “Queen of Popiano” for her innovative blend of pop and Amapiano, Tyla is not just a rising star—she is redefining the sound of global music. As she continues to break new ground, her mission to transform “Africa’s the world” from a motto to reality is becoming increasingly clear.