In a stunning turn of events at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, South African sensation Tyla triumphed over some of the biggest names in African music, including Burna Boy, Tems, Rema, and Asake, taking home the coveted Top Global Artist award.
The night, which celebrated the best in music across multiple genres, saw Tyla’s meteoric rise continue with an emotional acceptance speech. “You’ve done well,” Tyla humbly expressed to the crowd, reflecting on her journey from breakout hits to international stardom. Her win is a testament to the growing global influence of African artists, with Tyla’s chart-topping hit “Water” being one of the year’s most streamed tracks.
The competition was fierce in the category, with Burna Boy fresh off his Grammy win, Tems continuing to dominate the airwaves, and Rema and Asake each carving out their own global niches. However, it was Tyla who managed to edge out these giants with her unique blend of Afrobeat, Amapiano, and global pop influences.
Tyla’s victory is a significant milestone in the rapidly expanding genre of Afropop and African music’s impact on the global stage, highlighting the influence of young, dynamic artists from the continent. As the crowd cheered and music industry executives looked on, it was clear that the future of African music is brighter than ever.
The Billboard Music Awards, known for celebrating both mainstream and emerging artists, provided the perfect platform for Tyla’s win. As she made her way offstage, her fellow nominees gave her a standing ovation, cementing her place as one of the new faces of global music.
source: Legit.ng