From breaking records with Water to winning the Impact Award at Billboard Women in Music, she’s proving African music is unstoppable.
South African singer-songwriter Tyla is redefining the music industry with her unique blend of amapiano, Afrobeats, and R&B. At just 23 years old, Tyla has already achieved milestones that many artists can only dream of, cementing her status as a global sensation.
Tyla recently received the prestigious Impact Award at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music ceremony, held at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles. The award celebrates her influence on the music industry and her ability to inspire fans worldwide. During her acceptance speech, Tyla paid tribute to her mother, saying, “Thank you to my mother for teaching me how to embody confidence, grace, and strength during this journey.” Her heartfelt words resonated with the audience, who cheered her on throughout the night.
Tyla’s career has been marked by groundbreaking accomplishments. She became the first South African artist to win the World Artist of the Year award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, beating out nominees like Burna Boy and Tems. Her viral hit Water broke records, earning over a billion streams on Spotify and sparking dance challenges across social media
Tyla’s music bridges cultures, blending South African rhythms with global appeal. She has consistently challenged perceptions of African artists, emphasizing the fluidity of genres. In her own words, “I represent Africa as a whole. If listeners hear influences in my music, it enhances understanding.”