WHAT began as a captivating dance in 2023 has since transformed into a global musical revolution. South African artist Tyla, then only 21, mesmerised audiences when she swayed to the Amapiano beat—her arms and feet moving with effortless grace as water cascaded down her back. This striking moment, captured on TikTok, set the stage for her breakout hit ‘Water,’ a track that would soon redefine Amapiano and catapult her to international fame.
A dance that sparked a movement
Tyla’s journey started with a simple yet evocative dance that resonated with viewers worldwide. The fluidity of her movements, coupled with the hypnotic rhythms of Amapiano—a genre that marries jazz, house, and kwaito with traditional Zulu influences—captured the essence of modern South African music. ‘Make me sweat, make me hotter, make me lose my breath, make me water,’ she sang, igniting a viral trend that inspired millions to try and replicate her moves. According to Kwangu Liwewe, Africa Editor at New Lines magazine, this performance was not merely a fleeting moment on social media but a clear signal of the rising influence of African music on the global stage.
From viral sensation to Grammy glory
The phenomenon surrounding Tyla did not stop with viral videos. As her track ‘Water’ dominated playlists from Johannesburg to New York, the international music industry took notice. In February 2024, Tyla made history by winning the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance—a recognition that signalled a seismic shift in global pop culture. This award, distinct from the previous Best Global Music Album category, was created to honour the diverse voices of African music and celebrate its growing impact. Tyla’s achievement is widely seen as a turning point, a moment when African artists began to rewrite the rules of global music success.
A new era for African sound
Tyla’s rise is part of a broader trend where African genres such as Amapiano and Afrobeats are breaking into the mainstream. West African music, pioneered by legends like Fela Kuti, has long influenced international artists, while contemporary stars such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido have further propelled African music into the limelight. Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have accelerated this trend by curating playlists such as ‘Africa Heat’ and ‘Amapiano Grooves,’ which have helped artists reach audiences far beyond their home countries.
Kwangu Liwewe points out that the digital revolution has been pivotal in this cultural shift. ‘The global appeal of African music today is underpinned by digital platforms that allow artists to connect directly with fans around the world,’ she explains. This accessibility not only broadens audience reach but also fuels discussions about fair royalties and the equitable sharing of revenue—a topic that remains contentious among artists and industry stakeholders.
Balancing global success and cultural integrity
Despite the widespread acclaim, there are growing concerns about whether African artists are receiving their fair share of the profits generated by their global success. Many musicians have voiced frustrations over opaque royalty systems and contracts that leave them undercompensated. The debate has even sparked calls for reforms to ensure that digital revenue streams benefit the creators directly. While some fear that pressure to conform to Western musical tastes might dilute Africa’s authentic sound, others believe that a blending of influences can lead to innovative, boundary-crossing music without sacrificing cultural identity.
Looking ahead
As African music continues its ascent on the global stage, Tyla’s story remains a powerful reminder of the continent’s creative potential. Her success, emblematic of a broader cultural renaissance, is not only about breaking records but also about paving the way for future generations of artists to share their unique voices with the world.
At a time when the lines between local and global are increasingly blurred, the rise of African music is a testament to its enduring spirit and transformative impact on international culture.
