South African star Tyla has just etched her name into the music history books, clinching the ‘Favourite Afrobeats Artist’ award at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs), held on Monday, 26th May, at the glamorous Fontainebleau Las Vegas. In what many fans are calling a landmark win for Southern African music, the 23-year-old sensation edged out Afrobeats icons Wizkid, Tems, Rema, and Asake to take home the coveted trophy.
How ‘Water’ Sparked Global Recognition
Best known globally for her smash hit “Water”, Tyla’s victory represents personal success that marks a significant moment for South Africa’s influence on the global music stage. Her win also comes at a time when the Afrobeats genre, largely dominated by Nigerian artists, is rapidly expanding its reach across continents.
A Look at the Competition: Wizkid, Tems, Rema, Asake
Tyla faced stiff competition from an impressive lineup:
- Wizkid, the first winner of this award in 2022 with his global anthem Essence.
- Tems, who earned her nomination on the strength of her debut album Born In The Wild.
- Rema, nominated for his sophomore album HEIS, reinforcing his consistent chart-topping impact.
- Asake, whose third studio project, Lungu Boy further strengthened his explosive rise in the Afrobeats scene.
Despite the star power in her category, Tyla’s win did not come as a shock to fans who have followed her meteoric rise in the past year. Her genre-blending style, which merges Afrobeats, pop, and South Africa’s signature Amapiano sound, has connected with a global audience, making her one of the most streamed African artists of 2025.
Building Momentum: BET Win and International Tours
Before the AMAs, Tyla had already made a global impression, winning the BET Award for Best New International Act in 2023. The debut EP received widespread acclaim, laying the foundation for an international breakthrough. A series of successful world tours and viral music videos further established Tyla’s position as a breakout force in African pop. The recent AMA victory adds to this upward trajectory, reinforcing recognition as one of the continent’s most impactful musical ambassadors.
The awards night saw other musical milestones as well:
- Billie Eilish dominated the event with seven wins, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.
- Beyoncé took home accolades for Favourite Female Country Artist and Favourite Country Album for her genre-defying Cowboy Carter.
- Post Malone snagged Favourite Male Country Artist, while Eminem returned after 15 years to claim two awards in the Hip-hop category.
Surprises and Snubs on Music’s Big Night
However, the night was not without surprises. Industry icons Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande were left empty-handed, missing out on all their nominations, a reminder that the AMAs remain as unpredictable as ever.
Tyla’s historic win at the AMAs highlights her extraordinary talent and signals a shifting tide in the global Afrobeats scene, a world where new voices, sounds, and regions are gaining well-deserved recognition.
