BET Awards 2024: Tyla Wins Best New Artist

South African singer Tyla was named Best New Artist at the BET Awards 2024, marking a significant achievement in her rising career. Known for her infectious pop melodies and vibrant energy, Tyla has quickly captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

Her debut single, “Water,” became a massive hit, showcasing her catchy hooks and dynamic performance style. Tyla’s blend of pop, R&B, and Afrobeat elements has set her apart in the music scene.

In her acceptance speech, Tyla expressed gratitude to her fans, family, and the BET community. “Oh my gosh this crazy, this is also very heavy again. First of all I love Sexyy Red. I love her so much,” she began. “This is such a gift to be here. I want to dedicate this one to Africa. I want to dedicate this to all the African superstars before me that didn’t get these opportunities that I’m getting. This is just amazing. Africa to the world guys.”

Tyla’s win as Best New Artist underscores her exceptional talent and the global appeal of her music. Her success signals a bright future and continued rise in the music industry.

Her self-titled debut album,Tyla, released in March 2024, and showcased her unique blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and pop, creating a fresh and vibrant sound that captivates listeners. The effort was met with critical acclaim, debuting at number 24 on the U.S. Billboard 200.

Earlier in the evening, the singer received the “Best International Act” award, presented by actor Coleman Domingo.

“This is very heavy, guys,” the singer quipped as she accepted the honor. “Guys, I did not prepare anything, but I just want to say thank you so much to my tigers, my, my team.”

Tyla Delivers a Ferocious Performance of ‘Jump’ With Gunna

Tyla had everyone jumping from their seats during her performance of “Jump” with Gunna and Skillibeng at the 2024 BET Awards Sunday night (June 30).

Four women cleverly painted as different parts of a tiger laid across the floor of a cage, swishing its “tail” (one woman’s painted arm) before Skillibeng kicked off the performance with his memorable “Original gyal, you are no replica (No)” intro. Tyla descended upon the stage in a rope swing and boldly entered the cage before singing her viral lyric “They never had a pretty girl from Joburg. See me now, and that’s what they prefurrr.”

Gunna delivered his verse next to an elephant statue before Skilli re-entered the stage while being escorted by men on stilts that Tyla danced underneath.

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After canceling her first headlining world tour and Coachella performance earlier this year due to an injury, Tyla has picked up a few performance gigs, including Spotify Beach at Cannes Lions and Afro Nation Portugal earlier this month. “Jump” is the latest single from her self-titled debut album, which was released in March via FAX and Epic Records. It’s currently No. 19 on Rhythmic Airplay and No. 3 on U.S. Afrobeats Songs (charts dated June 29).

Nominated for four awards, Tyla has already taken home two this evening for best new artist and best international act. She also scored nods for viewer’s choice award for her Billboard Hot 100 No. 7 smash “Water” and best female R&B/pop artist. Gunna is also up for three awards: best male hip-hop artist, album of the year with A Gift & A Curse and viewer’s choice award with “Fukumean.”

Tyla Teams Skin-Baring Gown with $230K Worth of Diamonds at 2024 BET Awards

While nothing could top Tyla’s iconic sand dress from the Met Gala this May, the South African artist’s look at the 2024 BET Awards came pretty close!

The rising star stepped out in a vintage Versace gown with stud detailing, an open-back, cutout halter neckline that dipped below her navel and a major front slit that showed off the animal print lining of the dress which first hit the runway in 2004. She teamed design with $230,000 worth of Jared Atelier natural diamonds (weighing in at a total of 70 carats) including pear-shaped natural morganite and diamond drop earrings ($12,000), a diamond ring ($33,000), pear-shaped natural morganite and diamond ring ($15,000), Jared Atelier Diamond tennis bracelet ($53,000) and Jared Atelier x Shy emerald-cut diamond tennis bracelet ($115,000).

Tyla, 22, who rose to international fame following the release of her hit single ‘Water’ in July 2023, already won the Best International Act award and is up for three other trophies, including Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. She’s also set to perform at the event alongside fellow nominees Ice Spice, Victoria Monét and Bad Boys star Will Smith.

Her latest look adds to a string of show-stopping outfits that the singer has worn on the red carpet this year.

Following the release of her self-titled album in March, Tyla turned heads at the Met Gala in May with a stunning Balmain gown made of sand. When Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing trimmed down the unwieldy floor-length dress to just above the singer’s knees, the moment instantly went viral.