Tyla Celebrates Her South African Roots and African Artists at SAMA32

Two-time Grammy award winner and South African singer Tyla turned her first appearance at the South African Music Awards into a powerful celebration of her country, African artists and the journey that took her to international fame.

Tyla was awarded the International Achievement Award at the 32nd South African Music Awards, held at the Sun City Super Bowl in the North West on Saturday, 15 August 2026.

But while the award marked another major achievement in her career, it was Tyla’s heartfelt acceptance speech that became one of the most memorable moments of the night.

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The 24-year-old star became emotional as she reflected on her childhood dream of becoming a global pop star and attending the SAMAs.

“Thank you, guys, so much, guys. I can’t even explain the feeling I have right now standing on the stage,” she said to the audience. “This is my first time at the SAMAs, and I just remember being a little girl dreaming of this day.”

Tyla said she had always dreamed of travelling the world and becoming a pop star, but attending the SAMAs was also a major dream for her.

“Obviously, I had the dream of travelling the world and becoming a pop star, but a big dream of mine was to come to the SAMAS, and now I’m here, so it’s another thing I’m ticking off. Thank God! Yes.”

She also spoke honestly about building a career without having someone who had walked the same path before her.

“And honestly, I don’t have many words to say. There’s never been a ‘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 make.”

The singer then thanked South Africa for supporting her as she grew into an artist in front of the world.

“So, as I stumbled 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.”

Tyla proudly spoke about how deeply her home country remains part of her identity.

“South Africa runs through my veins. It shows in the way I speak and the way I dance,” she said, before remembering the moment she performed Bacardi to “Water” in Pretoria.

She also used the moment to celebrate African artists, calling Cassper, Makhadzi, Babalwa, Zee Nxumalo, MaWhoo and others to join her on stage.

“I want to take this moment to celebrate all African artists. Our music and our culture are so rich, and I’m so proud of everybody. I thank you guys so much that I get to stand on your shoulders, and I get to be inspired by you guys every day.”

Tyla ended her speech by expressing her pride in being South African and African, while sharing her hope for a united continent.

“And I’m just so happy to be South African. I’m happy to be African most of all. And I pray, I pray, one day to see a unified Africa. It’s so important, and I just thank you guys so much. I thank you guys, and I love you.”

Afterwards, the artists joined Tyla on stage, turning her acceptance speech into a celebration of African music, culture and unity. The International Achievement Award, supported by AfriPure, was announced by South African media personality, businesswoman and television presenter Bonang Matheba.

For Tyla, the SAMA moment was not only about celebrating how far she has travelled. It was also about remembering where she comes from and giving flowers to the African artists who continue to inspire her.