South African star Tyla has added another accolade to her impressive career, receiving the Global Impact Award at Billboard’s R&B No.1s event in New York City.
Tyla, celebrated for her unique blend of amapiano and pop, made a stunning impression at the event. She wore a daring black lace mini-dress with an intricate corset design and frilly hem, paired with black-and-white faux-fur sandals adorned with diamantes. Her makeup featured striking winged eyeliner and a nude lip, complemented by statement earrings. Her confident and graceful presence was a testament to her rising star power.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Tyla expressed profound gratitude to Billboard, her team, her family, and her supporters. “This is crazy! Thank you so much,” she said, beaming as she held her award. Reflecting on her journey, she noted how her current success once felt unattainable, especially coming from South Africa. “Living out a dream that never felt real is such a beautiful thing,” she shared.
A historic year for South African music
Tyla’s breakout hit Water made waves as the first song by a South African soloist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years. The track achieved a remarkable 46-week run at number one on the US Afrobeats Songs chart. Additionally, she won the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, becoming the youngest African artist to receive this honour. Her influence has earned her the title ‘Queen of Popiano,’ reflecting her role in blending pop with South Africa’s amapiano sound.
Resilience and dedication
Despite facing challenges this year, including an injury that led to the cancellation of her first headlining world tour and Coachella performance, Tyla made a strong comeback. She delivered impressive performances at Spotify Beach in Cannes and Afro Nation Portugal, showcasing her resilience and dedication to her craft.
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Featured Image: Getty