South Africa continues to make waves on the global stage after pop sensation Tyla won her first-ever Grammy.
She won Best African Music Performance for her track “Water.”
The category debuting at this year’s ceremony marks a significant step towards recognising and celebrating the diversity of musical talent worldwide.
Tyla’s hit single, “Water,” captivated audiences and climbed the ranks to secure the seventh spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The young singer expressed her astonishment and gratitude upon receiving the award: “I never thought I’d say I won a Grammy at 22 years old.”The young singer expressed her astonishment and gratitude upon receiving the award: “I never thought I’d say I won a Grammy at 22 years old.”
The newly introduced category acknowledges the rich tapestry of African music and its global impact.
ALSO READ: BRICS International Symphony Orchestra debuts in Moscow: A harmonious celebration of cultural unity
Tyla’s win is a testament to her outstanding talent and highlights the increasing recognition of diverse genres in the music industry.
In her acceptance speech, Tyla took a moment to thank the Recording Academy for introducing this pivotal category, emphasising its importance in fostering inclusivity within the prestigious awards.
“This Grammy is not just for me; it’s for the entire African music community. Thank you to the Recording Academy for creating this platform and recognizing the beauty and richness of African music,” she expressed with heartfelt sincerity.
The 2024 Grammy Awards also introduced two other noteworthy categories: Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Pop Dance Recording.
These additions reflect the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, embracing a broad spectrum of genres and artistic expressions.
As Tyla basks in the glory of her historic win, fans and industry experts applaud the Grammys for taking a step towards greater inclusivity and representation.
Introducing these new categories is a positive stride towards recognising the diverse talents contributing to the global musical tapestry.
Women shine at the 2024 Grammys
Hosting the 2024 Grammy Awards for the fourth consecutive year was another well known South African, Trevor Noah.
The star-studded night featured standout performances by the legendary Joni Mitchell and Luke Combs, who shared the stage with the rarely-seen Tracy Chapman.
A remarkable 94 trophies were distributed throughout the evening.
In a historic moment, Taylor Swift clinched the Album of the Year award for her 10th studio album, Midnights.
This victory marked her fourth win in this category, breaking the tie with Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, and Frank Sinatra.
Accepting the trophy from surprise presenter Celine Dion, Swift expressed gratitude to her “once-in-a-generation producer” Jack Antonoff and collaborator Lana Del Rey, concluding with a heartfelt acknowledgement that, “For me, the award is the work.”
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, 4x ALBUM OF THE YEAR GRAMMY WINNER TAYLOR SWIFT! pic.twitter.com/dl1j3xxcvA
— The Eras Tour (@tswifterastour) February 5, 2024Miley Cyrus secured her first-ever Grammy early in the night, as her self-love anthem “Flowers” won the Best Pop Solo Performance award.
Receiving the accolade from her idol Mariah Carey, Cyrus declared, “This M.C. is gonna stand by this M.C. for this because this is just too iconic.”
ALSO READ: WATCH: Shanghai’s elderly seek romance at Ikea lonely hearts club
The night reached its pinnacle when “Flowers” was announced as the Record of the Year, and after thanking her loved ones and team, Cyrus delivered a memorable sign-off, humorously stating, “I don’t think I forgot anyone, but I might’ve forgotten underwear… bye!”
Other notable highlights included Billie Eilish’s touching Barbie ballad, “What Was I Made For?” securing the Song of the Year award.
Victoria Monét, known for releasing their favourite track of 2023, claimed the prestigious Best New Artist title.
SZA, with nine nominations, emerged victorious in the categories of Best R&B Song and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
The 2024 Grammys showcased a diverse array of talent and memorable moments that will undoubtedly be etched in the annals of music history.
