Tyla Wins SAMAs International Achievement Award; Joins Black Coffee as Rare Honoree

Tyla’s first appearance on the SAMA stage, at the Sun City Super Bowl in the North West on Saturday, 15 August, doubled as a historic one. The 24-year-old Grammy winner received the AfriPure International Achievement Award at the 32nd South African Music Awards, becoming only the second artist after Black Coffee to claim that particular honour.

Hosted by Casper Nyovest and Zanele Potelwa, SAMA32 drew major figures from South Africa’s entertainment sector to recognise artists shaping the country’s musical identity. The evening covered an extensive roster of winners across traditional and contemporary genres, reflecting the breadth of a local music ecosystem that continues to reach well beyond its borders.

Gospel singer and songwriter HLE emerged as one of the night’s standout performers, securing both Album of the Year (SAMPRA) and Female Artist of the Year (Lesedi FM) for “The Ground We’re On.” Mzukulu claimed Male Artist of the Year (Motsweding FM) for “Ng’funa Intozami,” alongside the Ukhozi FM Best Maskandi Album award. Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini received Newcomer of the Year (SABC 1) for “Ingoma Busuku.”

The awards also acknowledged streaming power and collaboration. DJ Maphorisa and Xduppy took the CAPASSO Most Streamed Song of the Year award for “Ngomoya (from Abantwana Bakho),” while “Abantwana Bakho” itself earned Best Collaboration honours. Umafikizolo won Record of the Year for “Uyoncengwa Unyoko.” Kabza De Small received Best Amapiano Album for “Bab’Motha,” and Makhadzi Entertainment won Best Traditional Music Album for “Sesi Ka Rose.”

Meanwhile, Tyla’s acceptance speech gave the ceremony one of its most personal moments. “I can’t even explain the feeling I have right now standing on this stage,” she said. “This is my first time at the SAMAs, and I just remember being a little girl dreaming of this day.” She spoke candidly about navigating a career without a template to follow. “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 take. 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.”

She also pointed to a specific turning point. A Bacardi performance in Pretoria, featuring her song “Water,” she described as transformative. “The moment I did Bacardi on that stage to Water, it changed my whole life, and I just love my country so much,” she said. “South Africa runs through my veins. It shows in the way I speak and the way I dance.”

Legendary producer Oskido received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising decades of sustained contribution to the South African music industry.

The full SAMA32 winner list spanned the spectrum of local sound. Will Linley won Best Pop Album for “Don’t Cry Because It’s Over.” Brendan Peyper claimed the Afrikaans Pop Album award for “Troumateriaal.” Jazzwrld and Thukuthela won Best Dance Album for “The Most Wanted,” and Blacks Jnr, Dankie Boi and Goldmax received Best GQOM Album for “New Wave.” Bucy Radebe won Best Traditional Faith Music Album for “Praise and Worship in the Wilderness, Pt. 1.” The SAMRO Highest Airplay Composer Award went to “Esandleni” by Nontokozo Mkhize, composed by Nontokozo Hlengwa, Muziwokuthula Mabuza, Cel’mpilo Mncedisi Manyathi and Thato Mthembu. Amadodana Ase Wesile earned Duo/Group of the Year (Radio 2000) for “Monghali Mesia.”

With Tyla still charting her own course and a new generation of winners now on the board, the question the industry will be watching is which of Saturday night’s honourees crosses over next.