“What the Heck!”: Tyla Wins a Grammy And Makes History Along the Way
One time for the Tygas and another one for one of the biggest songs in the world as South African singer-songwriter, Tyla, came and saw and conquered at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. The “Water” superstar took home the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance.
In the newly-minted category, she was up against compatriot Musa Keys, as well as Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Asake, and Olamide.
Not only did Tyla make history as the first-ever recipient of the award, she is the youngest African to ever win a Grammy that honours music of non-American origin. Her chart-topping single was recently certified platinum by RIAA, having successfully moved over a million units in the US alone.
Watch Tyla’s emphatic Grammy speech below:
As far as history is concerned, Tyla’s win makes her the youngest ever South African to have won the gong at 22. Her golden gramophone puts her in the enviable pantheon of Mzansi groundbreakers, including Black Coffee, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Zakes Bantwini, Nomcebo Zikode, and Wouter Kellerman.
Quick and interesting facts about Tyla’s Grammy win:
Of all the nominees, Tyla’s song was the only one to have charted in the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #7.
“Water” was the only nominated song to have attained a RIAA certification (being certified platinum).
Tyla was the only nominee in the category to not have her nominated work a part of an full-length studio album.
The Grammy is her first major award as a musician.
Fellow nominee Davido congratulated her, posting: “Congratulations on your win @Tyllaaaaaaa ! Big One for africa! Keep soaring!”
Mzansi rapper Da LES expressed pride in the win, claiming the win for the country: “Beautiful Congrats Superstar @Tyllaaaaaaa. BIG WIN FOR THE AAHHH.”
Internationally-renowned DJ Uncle Waffles took to the Twitter streets as well to show love: “Congratulations baeee @Tyllaaaaaaa.”