South African Superstar Dominates AMAs, Secures Third Award

Published 1 hour ago2 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
South African Superstar Dominates AMAs, Secures Third Award

Music sensation Tyla has cemented her status as a global phenomenon, achieving unprecedented success at the 52nd American Music Awards (AMAs) held in Las Vegas on Monday, 25 May. At this event, she secured two prestigious awards: Best Afrobeats Artist for the second consecutive year and Social Song of the Year for her hit single, "CHANEL". These latest accolades bring her total AMA wins to an impressive three, setting a new record for any African artist in the history of the show.

Tyla's journey to the top of the Afrobeats category has been groundbreaking. Her first AMA win occurred at the 51st AMAs in 2025, where she was crowned Favourite Afrobeats Artist. This victory marked her as the first woman and the first South African to ever claim this category since its inception in 2023, triumphing over formidable nominees such as Wizkid, Rema, Tems, and Asake. Her consistent performance and fan support have clearly distinguished her as a leading figure in the genre.

Beyond her AMA triumphs, Tyla first captivated international audiences with her breakthrough single, "Water". This track skillfully blended amapiano, a South African house music subgenre, with pop elements, creating a unique sound that resonated globally. "Water" not only introduced her distinct artistic style but also earned her a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024, further solidifying her critical acclaim and widespread appeal.

Her current single, "CHANEL", taken from her eagerly anticipated second album, "A-Pop", has already amassed over 320 million streams on Spotify, demonstrating its immense popularity. "CHANEL" also garnered nominations for Best Music Video at the AMAs, while Tyla herself was nominated for Best Female R&B Artist, showcasing her versatility across genres.

All of Tyla's AMA wins are a testament to the unwavering support of her dedicated fanbase, affectionately known as the "Tygers", who have consistently rallied behind her in the fan-voted awards. Tyla has also used her platform to champion African music, notably at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. Accepting the award for Best Afrobeats Video for "Water", she emphatically stated, "I come from South Africa. I represent Amapiano, I represent my culture," reinforcing her message that African music is diverse and extends beyond a single genre. With three AMA trophies, a Grammy, and a powerful message, Tyla continues to make a profound impact on the global music landscape.

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