Tyla’s global success and local reach
South African artist Tyla has had a landmark year, balancing both local and international success.
Over the past weekend at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), she received well-deserved recognition in three categories—Female Artist of the Year, Best Pop Album, and Newcomer of the Year.
Yet, despite winning a Grammy for her global hit “Water,” the song did not take home the coveted Record of the Year award. This has prompted a fresh conversation around the balance of local and international achievements in award considerations.
SAMAs and the Question of Global Influence
Local awards like the SAMAs exist to reflect the country’s unique musical tastes and cultural trends.
Tyla’s Grammy win highlights her global reach, but the SAMAs are intended to spotlight what resonates most with South African listeners.
Water, despite its global impact, may not have achieved the same level of local prominence, raising the question: should international success impact local award categories?
The Role of Local Awards in a Globalized Industry
Local awards like the SAMAs aim to highlight and celebrate the music that resonates within South Africa, reflecting the country’s unique tastes, cultural pulse, and musical trends.
While a Grammy win undoubtedly showcases Tyla’s international appeal, SAMAs have traditionally prioritized what makes an impact on South African soil.
A record like “Water,” while a global hit, may not have connected with local audiences in the same way as other songs that captured South Africa’s ears this year.
Music genres like Amapiano, Maskandi, and Gospel continue to resonate deeply with the South African audience, and an international accolade alone may not justify awarding a song Record of the Year if it didn’t reach the same level of local significance.
Tyla’s story poses a crucial question for the SAMAs and other awards: how should local awards define success as South African artists gain more visibility on the world stage? Should international accolades shift the criteria for local awards, or should they remain focused on domestic appeal?
Tyla’s achievements offer an opportunity to reflect on how local awards can honor artists while keeping the spirit and values of South African music alive.
