The YouTube Theater in Los Angeles buzzed with excitement on 29 March 2025 as South Africa’s Tyla made history by claiming the Impact Award at the Billboard Women in Music ceremony. TYLA AND BECKY G Backstage, she shared a heartfelt moment with fellow honoree Becky G, who won the same award in 2023, according to Elle. Tyla’s win capped a whirlwind of a year.
The 23-year-old Jozi-born artist recently became the first South African to win a World Artist of the Year award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Her hit single Water surpassed 1 billion streams, and she’s now part of the Met Gala’s host committee. TYLA’S JOURNEY Becky G, who presented at the event, praised Tyla’s “captivating uniqueness” and “drive”.
The two artists posed together in a photo shared by Unorthodox Reviews , beaming with pride. Tyla’s journey from local amapiano star to global icon has been meteoric. Her self-titled debut album (2024) blended Afrobeats, R&B, and South African rhythms, earning her a Grammy for Best African Music Performance.
Despite a back injury forcing her to cancel her Coachella debut, she rebounded with Push 2 Start , a sultry reggae track featured at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. TYLA AND HER IMPACT AWARD Her Impact Award recognises her role in elevating African music globally, according to BET. “I’m not just representing myself—I’m carrying South Africa’s flag,” she said in a pre-event interview.
The Billboard Women in Music event, hosted by La.
