Tyla Makes History as First Female Favorite Afrobeats Artist at the 2025 AMAs

In a groundbreaking moment for Afrobeats, South African superstar Tyla clinched the Favorite Afrobeats Artist award at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs), held on May 25, 2025. The 23-year-old singer made history as the first female artist to win this coveted category, solidifying her status as a global ambassador for the genre. Tyla triumphed over a formidable lineup of nominees, including Nigerian heavyweights Asake, Rema, Tems, and Wizkid, in a testament to her meteoric rise and undeniable influence.

The AMAs, known for celebrating fan-driven achievements in music, introduced the Favorite Afrobeats Artist category in recent years to reflect the genre’s growing global impact. Tyla’s victory marks a significant milestone, not only for her career but also for Afrobeats as a whole, highlighting the increasing prominence of female voices in a genre often dominated by male artists. Her win was announced during the star-studded ceremony, which was broadcast live, captivating audiences worldwide with performances and tributes to music’s biggest names.

Tyla, born Tyla Laura Seethal, burst onto the global stage with her 2023 hit single “Water,” which earned her a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024. The song’s infectious blend of amapiano and Afrobeats, paired with her sultry vocals and captivating dance moves, propelled her to international stardom. Since then, her self-titled debut album, Tyla, released in 2024, has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, spawning hits like “Truth or Dare” and “Jump.” Her unique sound, which fuses South African amapiano with global pop and R&B influences, has resonated with fans across continents, earning her a dedicated following.

In her acceptance speech, Tyla expressed gratitude to her fans, whom she affectionately calls “Tygers,” for their unwavering support. “This is such an honor, and I’m so grateful to be representing Afrobeats and South Africa on this stage,” she said, visibly emotional. “Thank you to my fans, my team, and everyone who’s been part of this journey. This is for all the girls dreaming big back home!” Her heartfelt words underscored her role as an inspiration for aspiring artists, particularly young women in Africa and beyond.

The 2025 AMAs win adds to Tyla’s growing list of accolades. In addition to her Grammy, she has secured multiple awards, including BET Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and South African Music Awards, cementing her as a leading figure in the global music scene. Her victory at the AMAs also highlights the increasing mainstream recognition of Afrobeats, a genre rooted in West African rhythms that has taken the world by storm, thanks to artists like Burna Boy, Davido, and now Tyla.

Social media erupted with praise for Tyla’s achievement, with fans and fellow artists celebrating her historic win. Posts on X lauded her as a trailblazer, with one user writing, “Tyla winning Favorite Afrobeats Artist at the AMAs is HUGE! First woman to do it, and she’s carrying the flag for SA and Afrobeats worldwide. Queen!” Another fan noted, “Beating Asake, Rema, Tems, and Wizkid is no small feat. Tyla is the moment!”

The win comes at a time when Afrobeats continues to dominate global charts and playlists, with artists from Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa leading the charge. Tyla’s success underscores the genre’s versatility and its ability to transcend borders, blending traditional African sounds with contemporary pop, hip-hop, and electronic influences. Her amapiano-infused style, in particular, has introduced many international listeners to the South African genre, further diversifying the Afrobeats landscape.

As Tyla continues to break barriers, her AMAs win is a reminder of the power of authenticity and talent in shaping the future of music. With her star on the rise, the world is watching to see what this history-making artist will do next. For now, Tyla’s victory at the 2025 AMAs stands as a shining moment for Afrobeats, South Africa, and women in music everywhere.