South African Stars Tyla and Makhadzi Pop Out in California As They Take Home BET Awards
The Peakcock Theatre in Los Angeles, California was all lights and glamour as the 2024 BET Awards were underway. South African stars Tyla and Makhadzi not only took off to the States to showcase their showmanship and their talents, they also brought back home the coveted curved stellate statue.
Already a Grammy winner, and the youngest ever African recipient, Tyla came into the awards ceremony a favourite to walk away with at least one gong, with her being nominated for Best New Artist, Best International Act, Best Female/Pop Artist and the Viewer’s Choice Award. The stargirl from Johannesburg took home two awards: Best New Artist and Best International Act. The “Water” hitmaker winning in the former made her the first African artist to scoop the accolade in the category.
Although she lost the two other awards, her converting half of the nominations she received into wins secured her place as the artist with the most wins in the night alongside acclaimed singer Victoria Monet and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and legendary singer-songwriter Usher.
Tyla not only took the awards but also the breaths of viewers and the attendees with a body art-inspired and feral performance of her latest hit single “Jump”.
Watch Tyla’s speech after taking Best New Artist below:
Credit: BET Network
Surprise package Makhadzi also claimed an honour at the BET Awards, winning Best New International Act, which is determined by voters. Just almost a week since announcing that her album Mbofholowo has obtained platinum status, the Limpopo-born star has consummated her achievements with arguably her highest musical honour in her career, which just so happened to be an early birthday gift to herself when she turned 28 on 30 June.
Her BET Award comes after more international recognition from the past years since she won a Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Star (Africa) in 2022 and an AFRIMA award in 2021.
Watch Makhadzi accepting her award:
Credit: BET Network