South African music sensation Tyla continues to shine on the world stage, securing the prestigious Impact Award at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music ceremony.
This accolade solidifies her position as a global powerhouse, proving that African music is taking over the charts in a big way.
Tyla Honored at Billboard’s Women in Music Event
The Billboard Women in Music event, held at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles on March 29, was a star-studded celebration of women revolutionizing the music industry.
Hosted by the ever-charismatic Laverne Cox, the ceremony highlighted game-changers, and Tyla was rightfully among them.
Billboard praised her for reshaping the global music landscape with her unique blend of amapiano, Afrobeats, and R&B.
This recognition comes on the heels of her meteoric rise, which includes winning a Grammy in 2024 for Best African Music Performance and delivering hits like Water and Push 2 Start.
The Rise of a Star: Tyla’s Musical Journey
Born and raised in South Africa, Tyla’s deep roots in amapiano shaped her sound.
She introduced the genre to international audiences while seamlessly blending global influences into her music.
Her self-titled debut album, released in 2024, received widespread critical acclaim for its fresh and genre-defying approach.
Her journey hasn’t been without obstacles. A back injury forced her to cancel a highly anticipated Coachella performance and world tour, but she bounced back stronger than ever.
From making a dazzling debut at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show to landing a major Nike endorsement, Tyla continues to prove she’s a force to be reckoned with.
Breaking Barriers in African Music
One of Tyla’s missions is to challenge the perception that African artists are limited to Afrobeats.
“Genres are fluid,” she told Billboard. “I represent Africa as a whole.
If people hear different influences in my music, it only enhances their understanding of our sound.”
From Johannesburg’s amapiano clubs to the biggest international stages, her music is a bridge between cultures, bringing fresh African sounds to a global audience.
A Year of Unstoppable Achievements
Winning the Impact Award is just the latest milestone in an already groundbreaking year for Tyla. Here’s what she’s accomplished so far:
- Grammy Winner: Became the first African artist to win Best African Music Performance.
- Industry Recognition: Earned accolades from BET, Billboard, and the MTV VMAs.
- Met Gala Influence: Selected to join André 3000 and Usher on the prestigious Met Gala committee, celebrating Black fashion.
At the Billboard ceremony, Tyla delivered a show-stopping performance alongside fellow honorees like Aespa and GloRilla.
What’s Next for Tyla?
The future is looking even brighter for this rising star. She’s gearing up for a long-awaited Coachella performance in April and has teased an upcoming album that will introduce a “different vibe while still staying true to her sound.”
Her journey proves that talent, resilience, and cultural pride can break barriers and captivate audiences worldwide.
As she continues to elevate African music on a global scale, one thing is clear—Tyla is here to stay.
The Global Appeal of Tyla’s Music
What is it about Tyla’s music that resonates so deeply with audiences worldwide? Is it her fusion of sounds, her infectious energy, or her ability to tell universal stories through her music?