In a groundbreaking moment for South African music, the vibrant and talented Afropop singer Tyla has been nominated for her very first Grammy Award. The announcement came ahead of the 65th Grammy Awards ceremony, which is set to take place on February 4, 2024, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Tyla’s nomination falls under the newly established ‘Best African Music Performance’ category, a significant addition to the prestigious awards that highlights the global influence of African rhythms and sounds.
Congratulations 66th #GRAMMYs Best African Music Performance nominees: @asakemusik & Olamide; @burnaboy; @davido ft. @musakeyss; @ayrastarr; and @tyllaaaaaaa. Watch live: https://t.co/zovEzgeZPGpic.twitter.com/SkyJv3tekb
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) November 10, 2023
Tyla’s journey to this point has been nothing short of meteoric. Her hit single “Water” surged in popularity, first catching fire on TikTok before cascading onto the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement marks a historic moment, as it’s been 55 years since a solo South African artist—jazz legend Hugh Masekela with his classic “Grazing in the Grass”—charted on the Billboard Hot 100. “Water” didn’t just chart; it soared to the number one spot on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, toppling the 58-week stronghold of Rema & Selena Gomez’s “Calm Down.”
The Recording Academy’s decision to add the ‘Best African Music Performance’ category has been met with enthusiasm, as it recognizes the diverse and rich tapestry of African music. Tyla’s nomination places her among an elite group of artists, including Burna Boy, Davido, Olamide, and others, who are all vying for the coveted award.
Tyla’s response to her nomination was a mix of disbelief and joy, as she took to Twitter with an exuberant “No Waysss” to share her excitement with fans. Her achievement is not just personal but also a beacon of inspiration for many upcoming artists in South Africa and across the continent.
As the Grammy Awards continue to evolve, recognizing a broader spectrum of musical talent, Tyla’s nomination is a harbinger of the growing global appreciation for African music. With her eyes set on the Grammy stage, Tyla’s nomination is a celebration of African music’s burgeoning presence on the world stage.
The competition in the ‘Best African Music Performance’ category is fierce, with each nominee bringing something unique to the table. As the world anticipates the 65th Grammy Awards, all eyes will be on these talented artists who represent the vibrant future of African music.
