South African pop sensation Tyla is continuing to make waves on the global music scene.
At the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, the talented artist took home the prestigious World Artist of the Year award, making her country proud and adding another feather to her cap.
A Rising Global Icon
The star-studded ceremony, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrated the best in music from around the world.
While many major names were nominated, it was Tyla who truly stood out.
Competing against powerhouse artists like Burna Boy, Central Cee, Tems, and YG Marley, Tyla emerged victorious, cementing her status as a rising global icon and a trailblazer for African music.
Her win highlights the growing recognition of African artists on international stages, something Tyla has worked tirelessly to achieve.
The Fans’ Excitement
Back home in South Africa, the celebrations are in full swing.
Fans have flooded social media with messages of support and congratulations, thrilled by Tyla’s monumental achievement.
Her victory feels like a win for the entire country, and her influence continues to grow as she gains more recognition on the world stage.
Multiple Nominations and Continued Success
In addition to her World Artist of the Year win, Tyla was also nominated for two other major awards at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Her hit single Water was up for R&B Song of the Year, and the remix featuring Marshmello was nominated for Dance Song of the Year.
While she didn’t win in these categories, the nominations alone underscore her versatility and influence across multiple genres.
Water has been a massive success, racking up over 174 million streams on Spotify, and continues to be a global anthem, earning praise from fans and critics alike.
The Power of South African Roots
Throughout her rise to stardom, Tyla has remained deeply connected to her South African roots.
She’s often shared how her upbringing in Johannesburg has shaped her artistry.
“This is a win for all of us back in South Africa,” she said in previous interviews.
Her music blends the infectious rhythms of amapiano with elements of pop and R&B, creating a unique sound that resonates with listeners around the world.
Tyla’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring.
She started out promoting her debut single Getting Late on YouTube and has since collaborated with global stars like Marshmello and Travis Scott, pushing boundaries and expanding her reach.
Highlights from the iHeartRadio Awards
The iHeartRadio Music Awards were a night to remember for many artists.
While Tyla stole the spotlight, other stars also had their moments.
Taylor Swift dominated the evening, taking home nine awards, including Artist of the Year.
Billie Eilish’s Happier Than Ever won Album of the Year, and Benson Boone’s Beautiful Things was named Song of the Year.
Sabrina Carpenter and Kendrick Lamar also took home multiple awards, marking a night of celebration for music’s biggest names.
Tyla’s Continued Success and Recognition
Tyla’s recent iHeartRadio victory adds to a string of impressive achievements.
Last year, she triumphed at the MTV Europe Music Awards, winning three major categories: Best R&B Act, Best African Act, and Best Afrobeats Act.
In her speeches, she consistently emphasizes the power of African music to unite people worldwide, showing how far the genre has come on the global stage.
South Africa’s Golden Girl
As Tyla continues to break down barriers and redefine what it means to be an African artist, her success is inspiring the next generation of musicians.
Her win at the iHeartRadio Music Awards is not just a personal triumph but a significant moment for South African music.
With her talent and determination, there’s no doubt that this is just the beginning for Tyla—Johannesburg’s golden girl.