The 2024 BET Awards are shaping up to be a landmark event, especially for South African sensation Tyla, who has garnered four nominations. Tyla’s nods include Best International Act, Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and the Viewer’s Choice Award, marking her as a prominent figure in the music industry and highlighting her innovative contributions to the global music scene.
Pushing Boundaries with Innovative Music
Tyla’s music is a boundary-pushing blend of pop and R&B, infused with the vibrant energy of South African amapiano and characterized by an otherworldly approach to production. Her tracks shimmer with a unique euphoria, making each song feel fresh and innovative. Hailing from Johannesburg, Tyla burst onto the international stage with her debut single “Getting Late” featuring Kooldrink. This bouncy, lust-filled track not only showcased her vocal prowess but also her ability to craft catchy, relatable music.
The chorus of “Getting Late” features the promise, “I won’t waste your time,” a line that resonates deeply with Tyla’s journey. Once an aspiring artist whose attempts to contact music industry power players went unanswered, she is now a global sensation, celebrated for her bold self-expression. Her latest singles, “Been Thinking” and “To Last,” released via Epic Records, continue to push her artistry forward, solidifying her versatility and her commitment to evolving as an artist.
Nominations Highlighting Versatility and Impact
Best International Act
The Best International Act nomination underscores Tyla’s global reach and her ability to connect with audiences worldwide. This category celebrates her influence and the way she has brought African music to the forefront of the global stage.
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
In the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist category, Tyla’s unique sound and artistic versatility are celebrated. Her ability to blend various musical influences and deliver emotive performances has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Best New Artist
The Best New Artist nomination highlights Tyla’s rapid ascent in the music industry. Despite being a newcomer, her impact has been profound, and this nomination recognizes her potential and the fresh energy she brings to the music world.
Viewer’s Choice Award
The Viewer’s Choice Award nomination is particularly special as it reflects the direct support and love from her fans. Tyla’s engagement with her audience, especially through social media, has helped her build a strong, dedicated community.
A Dream in the Making
Tyla’s dream of becoming a pop star who represents African artists on the global stage is becoming a reality. “I once thought pop music was just straight-up radio music, that catchy music—which it is—but I feel like it’s just music that everyone can relate to, dance to, sing to,” she says. Tyla aspires to be a role model for other African artists, showing that it’s possible to achieve global success while staying true to one’s roots.
Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. Before catching the attention of her manager, Tyla was on the verge of studying mining engineering, a more stable career path, due to the uncertainty associated with artistic pursuits. Her parents, initially wary of her dreams due to past family experiences, now fully support her, witnessing her undeniable talent and passion.
Global Sensation
The unexpected global success of “Getting Late” was a turning point for Tyla. The song’s viral TikTok trend, amassing over 5 million streams and 5.4 million YouTube views, was a testament to her music’s universal appeal. Tyla recalls proudly showing her parents every new TikTok video featuring her song, a clear sign of her growing influence.
Tyla’s upbringing in a musically rich environment, with influences like Aaliyah, Boyz II Men, Michael Jackson, Mi Casa, and Rihanna, shaped her artistic vision. Her childhood, filled with singing and dancing, laid the foundation for her future career. Even as a high schooler, she wrote and performed original songs on Instagram, persistently reaching out to anyone in the music industry.
Rihanna, who put Barbados on the map, serves as a role model for Tyla, inspiring her to open a window to Africa through her music. Tyla’s journey from a hopeful young artist to a global sensation is a testament to her talent, determination, and the power of authentic self-expression.
As Tyla heads into the 2024 BET Awards with four nominations, her journey is a beacon of inspiration. She represents not only herself but also the vibrant and diverse music scene of South Africa, showing that with talent and perseverance, the sky is the limit.