South African music sensation Tyla is rounding off an extraordinary year with eight nominations at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs).
This remarkable feat solidifies her position as a rising star in the global music scene. The BBMAs, hosted by Marriott Bonvoy and organized by the renowned music publication Billboard, celebrates artists’ exceptional achievements in the music industry, based on popularity, chart performance, and cultural impact. For Tyla, this is a momentous milestone in her blossoming career.
The nominees for this year’s BBMAs were revealed on Monday, November 25, in Los Angeles, sparking excitement across the music world. Tyla has been nominated in several key categories, including Top R&B Artist, Top Afrobeats Artist, Top R&B Song, Top R&B Album, and Top R&B Female Artist. These nominations are a testament to her versatility and ability to excel across genres, blending R&B and Afrobeats seamlessly.
In an unprecedented achievement, Tyla made history as the first artist in BBMAs history to receive three nominations in a single category. Her chart-topping tracks, “Water,” “Truth or Dare,” and “Jump,” all earned nods in the Top Afrobeats Song category.
This landmark accomplishment underscores her dominance in the Afrobeats genre and her growing influence on the global music stage.
Tyla’s dedicated fanbase, known as the Tigers, could not contain their excitement at the news of her multiple nominations. Many fans took to social media to celebrate her success, praising her relentless work ethic and undeniable talent.
However, her success has not been without controversy. Fans of Nigerian artist Ayra Starr expressed disappointment over her absence from this year’s BBMAs nominations, with some accusing Tyla’s team of imitating Ayra’s style.
“Chai, Ayra Starr would’ve hacked the American market if she was light-skinned. Tyla and her team looked at Ayra and did copy and paste of her swag, looks, and drips,” tweeted @47kasz. Despite these criticisms, Tyla’s Tigers remained unfazed, defending their idol’s originality and talent.
Tyla’s journey has not been entirely smooth, as she has faced criticism from certain American and Nigerian audiences. Yet, she continues to rise above the negativity, focusing on her craft and letting her achievements speak for themselves.
This week alone, she celebrated not only her BBMAs nominations but also her inclusion in the top 10 most-streamed female albums of 2024 on Spotify—a testament to her global appeal and growing fanbase.
The 2024 Billboard Music Awards also boast a star-studded lineup of nominees, with Zach Bryan, Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, and Sabrina Carpenter leading the pack. Taylor Swift, in particular, will be vying with Drake for the most all-time BBMAs wins, adding an extra layer of excitement to the ceremony. This year’s event promises to be one of the most competitive and memorable editions yet.
For Tyla, the BBMAs represent more than just awards—they are a validation of her talent and hard work. Her unique blend of R&B and Afrobeats has positioned her as a trailblazer, paving the way for other African artists on the global stage. Each nomination serves as a reminder of how far she has come in such a short time.
Tyla’s achievements this year mark a new chapter in the history of African music, showcasing the potential of artists from the continent to dominate international platforms. With her remarkable debut year, she has set a new benchmark for emerging talent, inspiring countless young artists to dream big and aim high.
As the December 12 BBMAs ceremony approaches, the world will be watching to see how Tyla fares among the industry’s biggest names. Regardless of the outcome, her eight nominations already signify a victory, heralding the arrival of a global superstar. Whether she takes home the trophies or not, Tyla’s impact on the music industry in 2024 is undeniable, and her journey is only just beginning.
