South African megastar, Tyla, scooped two wins at the BET Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, dedicating her victory to Africa.
The 22-year-old singer took home the awards for Best New Artist and Best International Act. In her acceptance speech, Tyla expressed her gratitude and dedicated her awards to Africa.
“This is crazy,” she said. This is such a gift to be here. I want to dedicate this one to Africa. I want to dedicate this one to all the African superstars before me who didn’t get the opportunities I am getting. It’s amazing. Africa to the world, guys.”
At the awards, Tyla dazzled in a floor-length black halter neck Versace gown and diamond jewellery from Jared Atelier.
The Jozi-born artist also delivered a lively performance of her song ‘Jump’ from her self-titled debut album.
The high-energy performance featured Tyla descending onto the stage on a rope trapeze swing and entering a giant cage, accompanied by dancers painted as parts of a tiger and a statue of an elephant. American rapper Gunna and Jamaican dancehall artist Skillibeng joined her on stage.
We love a good theme! Tyla’s performance gave “IT girl” energy and so much more. 🔥😍@Tyllaaaaaaa, @1GunnaGunna and @skillibeng did that! #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/OxxGzoozo9
— BET (@BET) July 1, 2024
Tyla’s BET wins come after the South African pop star won a Grammy for Best African Music Performance award for her hit song, ‘Water,’ earlier this year.
Fellow South African singer Makhadzi won the BET Viewers’ Choice: Best International Act award, adding to local talent shining on the international stage.
“I’m so happy, I’m someone who started music from the streets, and today I’m here, my dream just came true. I’m speechless, all I’m gonna say is that it’s possible for a black child to make it, and this is the best birthday ever,” said Makhadzi in accepting her award.
Congratulations to myself and all my people who have been supporting me.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😂 pic.twitter.com/PbEqIoqfTv
— Makhadzi (@MakhadziSA) July 1, 2024
Makhadzi’s win along with Tyla’s dual victory at the BET Awards marks a significant moment for African artists on the global stage.
New Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, congratulated Tyla and fellow South African winner Makhadzi on social media, writing:
“Congratulations to both ladies, we wanna assure South Africans that we will not be a Ministry that will be content with congratulating artists and creatives only, but will go out and unearth more Tyla’s & Makhadzi’s, help us find more future superstars.”
Things are happening already, congratulations 2 both ladies,we wanna assure South Africans that we will not be a Ministry that will be content with congratulating artist and creatives only but will go out and unearth more Tyla’s & Makhadzi’s , help us find more furure super stars pic.twitter.com/Dq2GpMHvWe
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 1, 2024
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Feature Image: Getty / Paras Griffin
