Dear Grammy Awards: Tyla Is Not an Afrobeats Artist

 

The Grammy Awards recently recognized South African singer Tyla with her second win in the Best African Music Performance category, cementing her growing global influence. While this achievement is historic and celebrated, it has also sparked a conversation about genre classification — specifically, the mislabeling of Tyla as an Afrobeats artist.

Tyla’s music is not Afrobeats. Her sound is heavily rooted in Amapiano, a South African house-inspired genre, combined with elements of pop and R&B. Afrobeats, in contrast, has its origins in West Africa, primarily Nigeria and Ghana, characterized by distinct rhythms, percussions, and cultural influences. Grouping Tyla under Afrobeats ignores the rich diversity of African music and simplifies the continent’s complex sonic landscape.

The distinction is important. Accurate representation ensures that genres like Amapiano, Gqom, Highlife, and Afro-fusion receive the recognition they deserve alongside Afrobeats. Mislabeling can obscure cultural heritage and misinform global audiences about African music.

Tyla herself has championed greater recognition for African artists on the international stage. Her call for more Africans to win Grammys resonates strongly, but recognition must go hand in hand with correct classification, respecting the unique sounds and origins of each genre.

Afrobeats vs Amapiano: Understanding the Difference

As African music continues to gain international acclaim, it’s essential for platforms like the Grammys to differentiate genres accurately. Tyla’s music is undeniably African, globally appealing, and award-worthy — but it is Amapiano, not Afrobeats.

Africa is not a monolith. African music is not one sound. And Tyla is proof of the continent’s incredible diversity.