Tyla, the South African pop sensation whose full name is Tyla Laura Seethal, made history at the 52nd annual American Music Awards (AMAs) by winning two major trophies. She was awarded Best Afrobeats Artist and Social Song of the Year for her hit track “CHANEL.”
A Historic Night for Tyla
Entering the ceremony as the most nominated African artist in AMA history with four nominations, Tyla emerged as the sole African act to secure a win at this year’s event. She triumphed in the Best Afrobeats Artist category, defeating heavyweights such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, and Moliy. Additionally, she took home the fan-voted Social Song of the Year award for “CHANEL.”
The Success of “CHANEL”
Released in October 2025, “CHANEL” has achieved remarkable commercial success, dominating global music charts and amassing over 320 million streams on Spotify. The track also received nominations for Best Music Video and Best Female R&B Artist.
From “Water” to Global Stardom
Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tyla first gained international attention in 2023 with her breakout single “Water.” The song blended contemporary R&B with Amapiano, an electronic dance music genre from South Africa, creating a unique sound that captivated audiences worldwide. “Water” became a viral sensation on social media, climbing global charts and breaking into the top ten of the US Billboard Hot 100. The success of the single propelled her self-titled debut album and transformed her from a rising local talent into an international household name.
Growing List of Accolades
Tyla’s victories at the 2026 AMAs add to her impressive collection of awards. She previously won her first Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance with “Water.” She has also enjoyed success at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), winning Best Afrobeats Video in both 2024 and 2025 for “Water” and “Push 2 Start,” respectively. Additionally, she has secured two nominations for the upcoming 2026 BET Awards in June, including a historic nod for Video of the Year.
What’s Next for Tyla
The singer is currently preparing for the release of her highly anticipated sophomore studio album, scheduled to debut in July. Fans eagerly await new music from the artist who continues to break barriers and set records.
