Cape Town – South African singer Tyla has won the inaugural African Music Performance Award at the Grammys for her song “Water“, the lead single from her debut album.
Tyla, 22, coined the term “popiano” for the track, blending pop and amapiano, a South African house subgenre.
She beat notable artists like Burna Boy and Davido for the award.
“What? Oh my gosh, guys, this is crazy! I never thought I’d say I won a Grammy at 22-years-old.
“If you don’t know me, my name is Tyla and I’m from South Africa, and last year God decided to change my whole life, thank you so much to God, to my team, my family.
“I know my mum is crying somewhere in here. Thank you to The Recording Academy for this category. It’s so important. I know I’m forgetting some things, but I won a Grammy!,” Tyla said in her acceptance speech.
The song gained popularity through a TikTok dance challenge and marked Tyla’s first Grammy win, making her express surprise and gratitude in her acceptance speech.
Take a look at some of the congratulatory messages on social media, including from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
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… pic.twitter.com/rNROSAuH1W
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) February 5, 2024
The EFF Congratulates Tyla Laura Seethal On Winning A Grammy For Best African Music Performance. pic.twitter.com/E0kx4jAHyV
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 5, 2024
Two #SouthAfricans flying the 🇿🇦 on the global stage. #Tyla winning a #Grammy for Water in the Best African Music Performance. She becomes the youngest African to win a Grammy at 22. The #GRAMMYs were hosted by another #SouthAfrican🇿🇦 @Trevornoah, for the 4th time.… pic.twitter.com/Ni6SOBve6O
— Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) February 5, 2024
🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦Congratulations Tyla on your Grammy -Best African Music Performance.🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦#GRAMMYs #JoburgCulture #JoburgCares ^NB pic.twitter.com/NvreaCu7D5
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) February 5, 2024
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
