Afrobeats has officially gone global, and South African music sensation Tyla just cemented her place in history by winning Favourite Afrobeats Artist at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) held on May 26 at the luxurious Fontainebleau resort in Las Vegas.
The star-studded category included African heavyweights Wizkid, Rema, Asake, and Tems, all of whom had stellar years in the global music scene.
But it was Tyla, the genre-blending hitmaker behind Water, who clinched the win, earning praise from fans and music critics worldwide.
“Congrats to Africa’s first pop star” and “Well deserved, Tyla!” were some of the top-trending messages on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) following the announcement.
A Historic Win and Global Recognition
Tyla’s win marks yet another milestone in her skyrocketing career. In February 2025, she received the prestigious Impact Award at the Billboard Women in Music Awards, becoming a trailblazer for African women in the global music industry.
The AMAs’ acknowledgment of an Afrobeats category itself highlights the genre’s growing influence across borders. Once confined to the continent, African music is now a mainstay on Billboard charts, Grammy stages, and now, AMA victories.
Next Stop: Hosting the 2025 Kids’ Choice Awards
Tyla’s star continues to rise. The 22-year-old is set to host the 2025 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards on June 21 in Santa Monica, California—becoming the first African artist ever to host the event.
In addition to hosting, she’s also nominated for two awards that evening:
With her groundbreaking achievements, Tyla is not just making history—she’s inspiring a new generation of African artists to dream beyond borders.
