South African singer and songwriter Tyla turned her SAMA32 victory into a celebration of African music, inviting fellow artists to join her on stage after receiving the International Achievement Award on Saturday night.
The two-time Grammy Award winner accepted the honour at Sun City in North West, but used the moment to shine a light on artists from across the continent. Tyla called on several of the musicians in attendance to share the stage with her.
Tyla Celebrates African Artists At SAMA32
Tyla’s SAMA32 moment quickly became a celebration of African artists as she called on Cassper Nyovest, Makhadzi, Babalwa M, Zee Nxumalo and Maglera to join her. She said she wanted the artists to share the stage with her as she marked the achievement. “I wanna take this moment to celebrate all the artists from here.
I wanna call Cassper Nyovest, Makhadzi, Babalwa M, I wanna call up Zee Nxumalo. I wanna call up all the African artists. Maglera. I want you guys to share the stage with me right here,” she said.
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The Tyla recognition marked the second time she has received the International Achievement Award at the South African Music Awards. She previously won the accolade in 2024, following her first Grammy Award earlier that year for her global hit Water.
Her latest SAMA honour came as she continues to represent South African music on the international stage.
Tyla Reflects On The Journey From Pretoria To The World
While accepting the International Achievement Award, Tyla also remembered a performance connected to Bacardi in Pretoria that she said changed her life.
“I wanna thank Bacardi also, Pretoria. Because the moment I did Bacardi on that stage to Water, it changed my whole life,” she said. Tyla added that attending the SAMAs had always been something she wanted to experience.
Tyla invited artists from across the South African music industry present at the awards to join her on stage and celebrate this remarkable achievement together 🔥 #SAMA32 pic.twitter.com/Jfnqx4iaEM
— tyger4lyf (@mzansity) August 15, 2026
The SAMA32 ceremony has now joined the list of milestones Tyla has achieved during her rise in music. She said attending the awards was another item checked off her bucket list, alongside her ambition to travel the world. The singer has built an international career while continuing to draw on her South African roots.
Tyla Says There Was No Roadmap For Her Career
Tyla also spoke about the challenge of finding her own path as an artist. Tyla said there was no previous artist with a career like hers whom she could turn to for guidance on navigating the industry.
“There was no other Tyla before me, and I don’t have a roadmap. I don’t have someone to call and ask how they did things and which steps to take,” she said.
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She reflected on growing into both a woman and an artist while doing so in front of audiences around the world. Tyla thanked South Africa for supporting her throughout that journey and for providing inspiration.
“So as I stumble through my career and my life now growing up as a woman and an artist in front of the world, I just thank South Africa for being there for me and for supporting me and just for, you know, everything that inspires me.”
