The YouTube Theater in Los Angeles buzzed with pleasure on 29 March 2025 as South Africa’s Tyla made historical past by claiming the Affect Award on the Billboard Ladies in Music ceremony.
TYLA AND BECKY G
Backstage, she shared a heartfelt second with fellow honoree Becky G, who received the identical award in 2023, in response to Elle.
Tyla’s win capped a whirlwind of a yr. The 23-year-old Jozi-born artist not too long ago turned the primary South African to win a World Artist of the 12 months award on the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Her hit single Water surpassed 1 billion streams, and he or she’s now a part of the Met Gala’s host committee.
TYLA’S JOURNEY
Becky G, who introduced on the occasion, praised Tyla’s “fascinating uniqueness” and “drive”. The 2 artists posed collectively in a photograph shared by Unorthodox Evaluations, beaming with delight.
Tyla’s journey from native amapiano star to world icon has been meteoric.
Her self-titled debut album (2024) blended Afrobeats, R&B, and South African rhythms, incomes her a Grammy for Greatest African Music Efficiency.
Regardless of a again harm forcing her to cancel her Coachella debut, she rebounded with Push 2 Begin, a sultry reggae monitor featured on the Victoria’s Secret Style Present.
TYLA AND HER IMPACT AWARD
Her Affect Award recognises her function in elevating African music globally, in response to BET.
“I’m not simply representing myself—I’m carrying South Africa’s flag,” she stated in a pre-event interview.
The Billboard Ladies in Music occasion, hosted by Laverne Cox, featured performances by aespa, Erykah Badu, and Megan Moroney.
Tyla’s set electrified the gang, mixing her signature amapiano beats with worldwide aptitude.
Becky G, recognized for hits like Bathe, mirrored on Tyla’s win: “She’s breaking limitations for African artists. Her power is infectious!”.
SOUTH AFRICAN TALENT
Tyla’s success resonates deeply in South Africa. Her music usually incorporates native slang and cultural references, making her a beloved ambassador, in response to Buzz Feed.
“She’s proving we don’t have to decide on between our roots and world enchantment,” stated a fan on the occasion.
The ceremony aired dwell on VIZIO WatchFree+ without spending a dime, with tickets priced from R1,500 (presale) to R3,000.
SOUTH AFRICAN TALENT
Tyla’s subsequent transfer? She’s engaged on new music and advocating for African artists to be recognised past “Afrobeats” stereotypes.
Along with her Affect Award and World Artist of the 12 months title, she’s cemented her standing as a trailblazer.
As she left the stage, Tyla grinned: “That is for each South African child who dared to dream huge.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES TYLA’S MUSIC APPEAL TO BOTH LOCAL AND GLOBAL AUDIENCES?
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