SA: Tyla to receive International Achievement Award at SAMA32

The Johannesburg-born singer previously received the award at SAMA30. Her return marks the second time she will receive the accolade, putting her alongside Black Coffee as the only artists to have received the award twice.

Tyla has continued to build an international career since her breakthrough with ‘Water’, which earned her the GRAMMY Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024. She won the same category again in 2026 for ‘Push 2 Start’.

AfriPure, a South African beauty brand, is sponsoring the International Achievement Award. The company said its support was intended to recognise Tyla's international achievements while highlighting her South African roots.

“When we were approached with the opportunity to play a part in recognising Tyla’s global achievement, here at home, it felt like a natural fit for a beauty brand to align with the biggest A-pop star,” AfriPure co-founder Grant Heynes said.

He added: “Tyla represents the confidence, creativity and global ambition that we believe in at AfriPure, and we are proud to support a moment that celebrates her achievements on home soil.”

Heynes said Tyla’s career reflected the growing international influence of South African music and culture.

“Tyla embodies the fearless ambition and creative excellence of a new generation of South African artists,” he said. “Her journey resonates deeply with AfriPure: an African story, rooted at home, confident in its identity, represents a beauty and capable of commanding a place on the global stage.”

The awards are being supported by organisations including the Motsepe Foundation, the North West provincial government, South African Tourism, the SABC, the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO) and the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

The organisers said the event would also be used to promote the North West as a destination for tourism, cultural activity and investment.

“By bringing together iconic artists, emerging talent, industry leaders and thousands of music lovers from across the country and beyond, SAMA32 stimulates tourism, supports local economic activity and creates opportunities for small businesses, creatives, entrepreneurs and the hospitality sector,” said Unati Gwija.