South African singer and Grammy-winning artist, Tyla Laura Seethal, popularly known as Tyla, has voiced her stance on genre representation following her win in the Best Afrobeats Song category at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). While accepting the award, Tyla made it clear that she does not identify with Afrobeats but instead represents Amapiano, a South African genre that has been gaining global recognition in recent years.
The 2024 VMAs, which took place on Wednesday night, saw Tyla win the coveted Best Afrobeats Song award, a category filled with some of Africa’s biggest names, including Burna Boy, Davido, Lojay, Tems, Ayra Starr, and Pheelz. Despite the honor, Tyla expressed her reservations about being categorized under the Afrobeats genre, an issue she believes reflects a broader misunderstanding by the West when it comes to African music.
Tyla, who was also nominated for two additional categories—Best New Artist and Best RnB—did not take home those awards but used her platform to address what she sees as a tendency to lump all African music under the Afrobeats umbrella.
In her acceptance speech, Tyla acknowledged the significant impact Afrobeats has had on the global music scene, opening doors for numerous African artists. However, she emphasized that African music is far more diverse than what is often portrayed. The singer stated that while Afrobeats has been instrumental in bringing African music to the forefront, it is incorrect to group all African genres under that single label.
“I come from South Africa, and I represent Amapiano,” Tyla said during her speech. “The impact that ‘Water’ has had on the world proves that African music can be pop music too. This is so special but also bittersweet. Because I know there’s a tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeats.”
She continued, “Even though Afrobeats has run things and has opened so many doors for us, African music is so diverse. It’s more than just Afrobeats. I present my culture, and I just want to shout out all the Afrobeats artists in this category with me.”
Tyla’s remarks have sparked significant conversation online, particularly within the African music community, where many share her concerns about the lack of proper genre representation in international award shows and media.
Amapiano, the genre that Tyla proudly represents, originated in South Africa and has quickly gained international attention. It blends elements of deep house, jazz, and lounge music, characterized by unique piano melodies, heavy basslines, and percussive beats. Amapiano has become one of the most prominent genres in South Africa, making its way to dance floors and airwaves across the globe.
Tyla’s global hit single, “Water,” has played a pivotal role in bringing Amapiano to a wider audience. The song’s success, coupled with a viral dance challenge, has made “Water” a cultural phenomenon. With nearly 500 million streams on Spotify and a Grammy win under her belt, Tyla’s influence continues to grow.
Her self-titled debut album, Tyla, released on March 22, 2023, further solidified her position as one of the most promising African artists in recent years. The album features standout tracks such as “Water,” “On and On,” “Truth or Dare,” and “Art.” These tracks have not only captivated fans but also established Tyla as a key player in the ongoing global expansion of African music.
Afrobeats vs. Amapiano: The Broader Conversation
Tyla’s comments have reignited the conversation about how African music is categorized on the international stage. For years, Afrobeats has been the dominant genre associated with African music, largely due to the global success of artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido. The genre, which blends traditional African rhythms with elements of jazz, highlife, and hip-hop, has taken the world by storm, bringing African music into the mainstream.
However, as African music continues to grow in popularity, many artists and industry insiders have raised concerns about the tendency to classify all African music as Afrobeats. This, they argue, undermines the rich diversity of sounds that exist across the continent.
Amapiano, in particular, has emerged as a genre that stands apart from Afrobeats, with its distinct South African roots and unique musical elements. By voicing her concerns, Tyla is not only advocating for herself but also for a more nuanced understanding of African music as a whole.
While Afrobeats has undeniably paved the way for African artists to gain international recognition, Tyla’s stance highlights the importance of acknowledging the diversity within African music. From Amapiano to Afrohouse, highlife to Afro-soul, African artists are producing a wide range of music that deserves to be celebrated and understood on its own terms.
The Future of African Music on the Global Stage
Tyla’s rise to fame and her win at the 2024 MTV VMAs signal a shift in how African music is perceived globally. As more African artists continue to make waves on the international stage, there is a growing demand for proper representation and categorization of African genres.
This moment could mark a turning point in how the global music industry approaches African music. With artists like Tyla leading the charge, the hope is that award shows and media outlets will begin to recognize the diversity within African music and move away from generalizing all African sounds as Afrobeats.
In recent years, there has been a surge in African music festivals, collaborations between African and international artists, and an increasing presence of African music on global streaming platforms. These developments suggest that the global music industry is beginning to take notice of the rich diversity of African music. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that African genres are properly represented and appreciated for their unique contributions to the world of music.
Tyla’s 2024 MTV VMAs win and her subsequent comments have sparked an important conversation about the representation of African music on the global stage. By standing up for Amapiano and calling for a more accurate categorization of African music, Tyla is pushing for a deeper understanding of the continent’s diverse musical landscape.
As African music continues to grow in influence, it is crucial for the global music industry to recognize the distinct genres that make up the continent’s musical identity. Tyla’s advocacy for Amapiano serves as a reminder that African music is not monolithic, and each genre deserves to be celebrated for its unique sound and cultural significance.
With artists like Tyla at the forefront of this movement, the future of African music on the global stage looks bright, diverse, and full of potential.
