South African singer-songwriter Tyla made history at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music Awards. She claimed the Impact Award for her viral hit Water and its cultural ripple effects.
TYLA AND JENNIE
The ceremony, held at Los Angeles’s YouTube Theater on 29 March, saw Tyla rub shoulders with global icons like Jennie Kim (Blackpink) and Becky G, according to Hindustan Times.
The red carpet buzzed with energy as Tyla, resplendent in a sleek ensemble, posed alongside Jennie. The kpop star received the Global Force Award for her solo breakthrough.
Becky G, her collaborator on On My Body, vowed to master the song’s viral TikTok dance, quipping: “I’ll try my best—even if I trip!”.
Tyla’s Water became a global anthem, topping charts and sparking dance challenges, according to Billboard.
THE IMPACT AWARD
Fans at Rolling Loud praised her authenticity: “She’s the baddest btch alive—representing my Indian heritage!”.
The Impact Award, presented by Bose, honours artists driving cultural shifts. Tyla’s win underscores her role in amplifying South African talent worldwide.
WHO IS JENNIE?
Jennie, the first Korean soloist to win the Global Force Award, celebrated her debut album, Ruby (released 7 March).
Fans hailed her resilience: “She radiates positive vibes—everyone wants to be ‘Like Jennie’”.
Her solo journey, marked by hits like Love Hangover, solidified her status as a global trailblazer, according to Forbes.
Becky G, known for hits like Shower, highlighted Tyla’s cross-cultural appeal: “Her music bridges continents—it’s unstoppable!”
Their collaboration, On My Body, blended Tyla’s Afrobeats flair with Becky’s Latin rhythms, proving global pop’s limitless potential.
OTHER HONOREES
Other honorees included Doechii (Woman of the Year), aespa (Group of the Year), and Gracie Abrams (Songwriter of the Year).
Performances by Erykah Badu and Megan Moroney electrified the crowd, while Tina Knowles (Beyoncé’s mother) made history as the inaugural Mother of the Year.
Tyla’s win shines a spotlight on SA’s thriving music scene.
With Water streaming millions globally, her success mirrors artists like Moonchild Sanelly and Nasty C, who’ve broken international barriers.
Fans back home celebrated: “She’s putting Mzansi on the map!”
BILLBOARD AND TYLA
Billboard’s Chief Brand Officer, Dana Droppo, summed it up: “These women are reshaping music’s future”.
As Tyla, Jennie, and Becky G prove, collaboration and innovation know no borders.
With Tyla’s Impact Award and Jennie’s Global Force win, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of unstoppable female power.
SOUTH AFRICAN TALENT
Tyla’s victory isn’t just a win for her—it’s a testament to South Africa’s growing influence in global pop.
As she accepts her award, she’s not alone. She’s part of a movement celebrating women who dare to disrupt, inspire, and dominate.
WHICH BILLBOARD WOMEN IN MUSIC AWARD WINNER INSPIRES YOU MOST?
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