Tyla—born Tyla Laura Seethal and widely known simply as Tyla—won Best Afrobeats Artist and Social Song of the Year for her hit single “CHANEL,” marking a defining moment in a career that has rapidly moved from breakout success to global recognition.
She entered the ceremony as the most nominated African artist in AMA history with four nominations and left as the only African winner of the night.
Beating heavy competition in Afrobeats
Her win for Best Afrobeats Artist placed her ahead of some of the genre’s biggest names, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, and Moliy.
The second award, Social Song of the Year, went to “CHANEL,” a fan-driven category that reflects the track’s strong digital and cultural presence.
Released in October 2025, “CHANEL” has recorded more than 320 million streams on Spotify, while also earning nominations for Best Music Video and Best Female R&B Artist, underscoring its crossover appeal.
From “Water” to worldwide recognition
Tyla’s latest achievements add to a rapidly growing list of international milestones.
She first broke into global consciousness in 2023 with “Water,” a track that blended contemporary R&B with Amapiano, the South African electronic genre that helped define her signature sound. The song became a viral phenomenon, spreading widely across social media and streaming platforms.
It went on to reach the top ten of the US Billboard Hot 100, transforming her from a local breakout artist in Johannesburg into a global pop presence.
Awards streak and expanding influence
Since her breakthrough, Tyla’s awards momentum has continued steadily. She previously won a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for “Water,” and has also been recognised at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), winning Best Afrobeats Video in both 2024 and 2025 for “Water” and “Push 2 Start.”
She has also secured two nominations for the upcoming 2026 BET Awards, including a historic nod for Video of the Year.
Next chapter: new album on the horizon
With her international profile continuing to rise, Tyla is now preparing for the release of her second studio album, scheduled for July 2026. The project is expected to build on the global sound and momentum that have defined her career since “Water” first went viral.
From Johannesburg to the global stage, her trajectory reflects one of the most rapid ascents in contemporary pop and Afrobeats-influenced music.