“I never thought I’d say I won a GRAMMY at 22 years old,”

Tyla

Although coming up against stiff competition, including massive Afrobeats stars Burna Boy and Davido, Tyla’s hit song “Water” proved undeniable for GRAMMY voters.

Tyla claims the golden gramophone for Best African Music Performance at the 2024 GRAMMYs in the newly introduced category, winning with the track “Water.”

The South African sensation surpassed ASAKE & Olamide (“Amapiano”), Burna Boy (“City Boys”), Davido Featuring Musa Keys (“UNAVAILABLE”), and Ayra Starr (“Rush”).
The 22-year-old vocalist was pleasantly surprised upon receiving the award, presented by Jimmy Jam during the GRAMMYs Premiere Ceremony.

The amapiano-infused pop track made history by entering the Billboard Hot 100 last year, marking the first for a South African solo artist since Hugh Masekela in 1968. It later soared to No. 7, solidifying Tyla as the highest-charting African female solo musician in Billboard history. Additionally, the song claimed the top spot on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs and Hip-Hop/R&B charts.

Tyla praised her family during her acceptance speech, saying “I know my mother’s crying somewhere in here.”

Tyla creates a historic moment by becoming the inaugural winner of the Best African Music Performance category. The Academy established this category to pay tribute to music from the continent, as explained by Academy President Harvey Mason Jr.