22-Year-Old Tyla Seethal Wins “Best African Performance” Grammy
Tyla Seethal, a 22-year old artist from South Africa, has made history by becoming the youngest-ever Grammy award recipient from Africa. She won the prestigious “Best African Performance” category at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday for her song “Water.”
In her emotional acceptance speech, a shocked Tyla said, “This is crazy, I never thought I’d say I won a Grammy at 22 years old.” She thanked God, her family and team, and the Recording Academy for recognizing the Best African Performance category.
Competing Against African Music Heavyweights
Tyla was up against some of the heavyweight artists in African music, including Nigerian stars Burna Boy, Ayra Starr and Olamide. Her win puts her in the company of legendary South African Grammy winners like Trevor Rabin, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Black Coffee.
Her country’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa congratulated Tyla, saying, “Tyla’s Grammy Award win once again confirms her status as a global music superstar. Continue to inspire and raise the South African flag high.” The Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs also applauded the young singer’s achievement.
Tyla’s Hit Song Water Propels Her Career
Last year, Tyla’s song “Water” became massively popular on TikTok and went to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US. This catapulted the young star into global fame.
The Minister noted, “Once again, South Africa is making an impact on international stages, and this is testament to the talent that we have in our country. We are incredibly proud.”
Praise Pours in from Mzansi
South Africans on social media erupted in congratulatory messages for Tyla, celebrating her monumental achievement in putting South Africa firmly on the global music map at the young age of 22.
Fellow musicians and fans remarked this win signifies a new era for African music talent receiving its due recognition on prestigious international platforms like the Grammys. The music community believes Tyla’s historic Grammy win will open doors for more young African artists to shine.
Tyla made sure to thank the Recording Academy for including the Best African Performance category, emphasizing its cultural significance. As she continues her meteoric rise to international stardom, Tyla Seethal has made South Africa proud by becoming the youngest African artist to hold a Grammy Award.
