Tyla makes history with iHeartRadio ‘World Artist of the Year’ win

Tyla makes history with iHeartRadio ‘World Artist of the Year’ win! South African singer Tyla has made history by winning the World Artist of the Year award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. The prestigious awards ceremony took place on Monday, 17 March, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, USA.

Tyla’s victory is a groundbreaking achievement, as she beat some of the biggest names in global music, including Tems, Burna Boy, Central Cee, and YG Marley. Her win solidifies her place as one of the most influential artists on the international stage.

A First for South Africa

At just 24 years old, Tyla has achieved something no other South African artist has before. She is not only the first-ever winner of the newly introduced World Artist of the Year category but also the first South African artist to win an iHeartRadio Music Award.

Tyla makes history with iHeartRadio

This milestone has put Mzansi’s music industry on the global map, proving that African artists continue to make a powerful impact worldwide. Fans across the globe have flooded social media with messages of congratulations and admiration for Tyla.

The South African government also took to social media to celebrate her win, stating:

“Another one for the win column! Keep shining, Tyla.”

.@Tyllaaaaaaa becomes the first winner of the ‘World Artist Of The Year’ category at the @iHeartRadio Music Awards.

She also becomes the first South African to win an Iheartradio Music Award. pic.twitter.com/vgMdYnQyjL

— Tyla Club (@TylaClub) March 18, 2025

Another one for the win column!!! at the #iHeartMusicAwards2025!

Keep shining, @Tyllaaaaaaa! So proud of you, all the way from South Africa #GovZAupdates pic.twitter.com/gORjQbEBYZ

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) March 18, 2025

Breaking Records and Setting New Standards

Tyla’s meteoric rise in the music industry has been nothing short of phenomenal. She has set a record for the most weeks at number one on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, an impressive feat for any artist, let alone one so early in her career.

Her debut album, released in March 2024, has already surpassed 1.5 billion streams across multiple platforms. The album’s unique blend of pop, R&B, Afrobeats, and Amapiano has set her apart in the industry, showcasing her distinctive sound and versatility.

A Fashion Icon in the Making

Beyond music, Tyla has made waves in the fashion industry. She has collaborated with some of the biggest luxury brands in the world, including Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton. Her bold and trendsetting style has landed her high-profile campaigns and exclusive invitations to global fashion events.

Her influence in both music and fashion highlights her multifaceted talent, making her a global icon in the entertainment world.

Award-Winning Success

Tyla’s iHeartRadio win is just the latest in a long list of accolades she has earned in recent years.

• In 2024, she won two major awards at the BET Awards:

  • Best New Artist
  • Best International Act

• At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, she won the Best Afrobeats Video award, cementing her status as one of the hottest rising stars in the industry.

In every major award show she’s attended, Tyla has stood alongside global superstars like Usher and Victoria Monét, proving that she belongs on the world stage.

A Star on Stage

Tyla has also made a significant impact as a live performer. On 18 January 2025, she took the stage at SunBet Arena in Tshwane, delivering an unforgettable performance.

The concert was live-streamed across 44 African countries on Showmax, allowing fans from all over the continent to experience her energy and talent firsthand.

Tyla: A Global Force in Music

From breaking records to winning international awards and making waves in fashion, Tyla has proven herself as more than just a rising star—she is a global force to be reckoned with.

Her recent iHeartRadio win is a testament to her hard work, talent, and undeniable star power. As she continues to rise, the world is eagerly watching, and there’s no doubt that this is just the beginning of an even greater legacy for Tyla.