Tyla, the Johannesburg-born singer, experienced no suspense as she clinched the Grammy for Best African Music Performance in the inaugural year of the category. Competing against ASAKE & Olamide, Burna Boy, Davido featuring Musa Keys, and Ayra Starr, the “Water” singer’s hit single reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart last month. Accepting the award, Tyla expressed her disbelief, stating, “I never thought I’d say I won a Grammy at 22 years old. Thank you to the Recording Academy for this category. It’s so important.” Tyla wins a Grammy Award, her first with a short stint in the music industry.
The Best African Music Performance category is among three new additions at the 2024 Grammys, alongside Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Pop Dance Recording. Kylie Minogue, the Australian pop star, secured the latter award for “Padam Padam.”
The 22-year-old surpassed well-known Nigerian competitors such as Davido, Asake, and Burna Boy. Tyla’s hit song ‘Water’ triumphed over tracks by Davido, Asake, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr. Significantly, ‘Water’ gained worldwide acclaim, securing a spot in the top 10 in 16 countries, including the UK and the US. Tyla received this esteemed accolade during the 66th Grammy Award Premiere Ceremony at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
Message to Family and Fans
Tyla wins a Grammy Award in 2024, despite the huge competition from established veterans Burna Boy and Davido. She explained “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,” she said.
“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.”
Addressing the Recording Academy after receiving her inaugural Grammy award, Tyla expressed being “shaking” and felt honored to secure the accolade. She informed the reporter that her father had already claimed the award and designated a spot for it in his room.
Congratulatory messages have been pouring in for the singer on social media.