South African singer Tyla made history at the 2026 American Music Awards on Monday, clinching two major awards and becoming the only African artiste to win at the 52nd edition of the ceremony.
Tyla, born Tyla Laura Seethal, won Best Afrobeats Artist, beating Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, and Moliy.
She also took the fan-voted Social Song of the Year for her hit single “Chanel”.
he ‘Water’ hitmaker entered the night as the most nominated African act in AMA history with four nods, including Best Music Video and Best Female R&B Artist.
Released in October 2025, “Chanel” has amassed over 320 million Spotify streams and topped charts globally.
The Johannesburg-born singer first broke out in 2023 with “Water,” a viral Amapiano-R&B blend that hit the US Billboard Hot 100 top 10 and earned her a Grammy for Best African Music Performance.