Tyla’s Humble Beginning, Challenges and Journey To Winning A Grammy at 22 by Douglas Markowitz

2024 GRAMMYs: Tyla Wins First-Ever GRAMMY Award For Best African Music Performance

“I never thought I’d say I won a GRAMMY at 22 years old,” the South African singer said. Although coming up against stiff competition, including massive Afrobeats stars Burna Boy and Davido, Tyla’s hit song “Water” proved undeniable for GRAMMY voters.

The 2024 Grammys included a new category for Afrobeats music. Asake and Olamide’s “Amapiano,” Ayra Starr’s “Rush,” Burna Boy’s “City Boys,” and Davido featuring Musa Keys’ “Unavailable” were among the nominees. Despite tough competition from these top Afrobeats stars, the 22-year-old songstress won the award. During the acceptance speech, she thanked God and her family for helping her get this far in her career. In July 2023, the then-21-year-old, who is just four years shy in her music career, broke into the global music space after releasing Water, the lead single off her upcoming debut E.P. Like a Breeze; the song immediately became a sensation on TikTok courtesy of the catchy lyrics and viral dance challenge. To cap it all, the single caught the attention of fans in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, who claim Tyla sounds like a mixture of Rihanna and Queen B. In only a matter of time, the 21-year-old singer became the youngest-ever South African and the first South African soloist in 55 years to enter the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. This is after Hugh Masekela’s “Grazing in the Grass” in 1968. Indeed, Tyla’s music career has been marked by a meteoric rise. As the rookie would have fans believe, she was born ready for this. But make no mistake, there is nothing instant about this South African beauty’s fame and success. Behind the scenes, the Popiano star has been grinding and working especially hard to gain international recognition. Now that she has, aren’t you curious about her untold journey to stardom? How did she start? What did she have to give up? The pain and the gain? I mean? Who is this 22-year-old Rookie determined to become South Africa’s biggest pop star? To learn more about Tyla go to:

https://www.grammy.com/news/tyla-wins-first-best-african-music-performance-award-2024-grammys