South Africa’s Tyla has cemented her global stardom by claiming the Impact Award at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music ceremony.
TYLA AT BILLBOARD’S WOMEN IN MUSIC CEREMONY
The amapiano trailblazer blends Afrobeats and R&B with her native genre. She was celebrated for reshaping music’s cultural landscape, according to Billboard.
Hosted by Laverne Cox at Los Angeles’ YouTube Theater on 29 March, the event spotlighted women driving innovation in the industry.
Tyla’s win follows her meteoric rise, including a Grammy for Best African Music Performance in 2024 and hits like Water and Push 2 Start.
TYLA’S START IN MUSIC
Tyla’s journey began in South Africa, where she grew up immersed in amapiano. Her self-titled debut album (2024) earned critical acclaim, blending local rhythms with global appeal, according to IOL.
Despite setbacks like a back injury that forced her to cancel Coachella and a world tour, she rebounded with a debut at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and a Nike endorsement deal.
“Tyla’s drive and uniqueness have earned her the Impact Award,” Billboard stated. “She’s a force beyond music, inspiring young artists globally.”
TYLA, AFRICAN MUSIC, BILLBOARD AND AFROBEATS
Tyla challenges perceptions that African artists only produce Afrobeats.
“Genres are fluid,” she told Billboard. “I represent Africa as a whole. If listeners hear influences in my music, it enhances understanding.”
Her work bridges cultures, from Johannesburg’s vibrant amapiano scene to international stages.
TYLA’S ACCOLADES
The Impact Award caps a year of milestones:
- Grammy win: First African artist to claim Best African Music Performance.
- BET, Billboard, and MTV VMAs: Recognition for her genre-defying sound.
- Met Gala committee: Joining André 3000 and Usher to celebrate Black fashion.
At the ceremony, Tyla delivered an electric set alongside honorees like Aespa and GloRilla, according to Just Jared.
She’s set to headline Coachella in April and teased a new album: “It’ll have a different vibe but still be Tyla.”
AFRICAN MUSIC CELEBRATED
Tyla’s success shines a light on African talent. “Her work resonates globally, especially within the African artist community,” she said. “It’s meaningful to see our music celebrated.”
Tyla’s Impact Award is a testament to her role in amplifying African music worldwide.
As she gears up for Coachella and new music, her journey proves that talent, resilience, and cultural pride can conquer the globe.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES TYLA’S MUSIC SO APPEALING TO GLOBAL AUDIENCES?
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