South African pop star Tyla has made history by winning the Best Afrobeats Artist award at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMA), edging out a competitive lineup of Nigerian heavyweights including Asake, Tems, Wizkid, and Rema.
The awards ceremony, held on May 27, 2025, at the glamorous Fontainebleau Las Vegas, marked a milestone in Tyla’s fast-rising global career as she took home her first-ever AMA trophy.
Tyla’s win comes amid a wave of continental success. Asake was nominated following the release of his chart-topping third album Lungu Boy, while Tems’ acclaimed debut Born In The Wild also earned her a nod. Rema, who has had a stellar year with his sophomore album HEIS, and Afrobeats veteran Wizkid rounded out the list of top contenders in the category.
Hosted by Jennifer Lopez, who returned to helm the show a decade after her 2015 stint—the 2025 AMAs were packed with unforgettable moments, including electrifying performances from Janet Jackson, Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone, Rod Stewart, and J.Lo herself.
The night’s biggest winner was Billie Eilish, who walked away with a staggering six awards, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for Birds of a Feather. The pop sensation also clinched wins for Best Pop Album and Best Touring Artist, further cementing her dominance.
Other major winners included SZA (Favorite Female R&B Artist), The Weeknd (Favorite Male R&B Artist), Eminem (Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist), and Beyoncé, who claimed Favorite Country Album for COWBOY CARTER.
Tyla’s win highlights the increasing global footprint of African music, particularly the evolution of Afrobeats into a mainstream genre. As she continues to blaze a trail for South African artists on the world stage, her AMA victory stands as a testament to her breakout year and the rising influence of African sounds in global pop culture.
