“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.”

South African singer, Tyla, has won the award for the Best African Music Performance category at the 2024 Grammy awards.

Tyla’s historic win now mean three wins in a row for South Africa. Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini, and Nomcebo Zikode won ‘Best Global Music Performance’ at the 2023 Grammys.

DJ Black Coffee’s ‘Subconsciously’ emerged victorious in the ‘Best Dance/Electronic Music Album’ category in 2022.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo has the most overall wins with five Grammys, having been nominated 17 times.

Tyla Laura Seethal known as Tyla got her big break – signed by Epic Records in 2021 after the domestic success of her 2019 debut single, “Getting Late” featuring Kooldrink.

Tyla rose to international fame with the release of her 2023 single “Water”, which entered the top ten in sixteen countries including the United Kingdom and United States. “Water” was the first song by a South African soloist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years.

In a triumphant return to the winner’s circle, the songstress took home the Grammy for Best African Music Performance in the category’s first year.

Tyla beat off fierce competition – ASAKE & Olamide, Burna Boy, Davido featuring Musa Keys and Ayra Starr.

During her acceptance speech, Tyla said:

“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.”

The category for Best African Music Performance is one of three new categories featured at the 2024 Grammys, along with Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Pop Dance Recording.

The award was presented at the 66th Grammy Award Premiere Ceremony at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

Congratulations Tyla, South Africa is incredibly proud of you.

By Sinenzolo Mondi – Nduku

Images by Robert Gauthier/ Los Angeles Times via Getty Images