South African sensation Tyla continues her meteoric rise on the global stage, earning two nominations at the 2026 BET Awards, announced on May 19.
The 23-year-old star is recognized in the prestigious Video of the Year category for her hit single “CHANEL,” becoming the first African artist to land a nomination in this major category and the Viewer’s Choice for the same track.
Cardi B leads the nominations with six nods, followed closely by Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist with five each. Yet Tyla’s breakthrough in Video of the Year stands out as a landmark moment for African music’s growing influence.
Other African acts, including Tems (nominated in Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, BET Her, and Viewer’s Choice), Wizkid, and Asake (recognized in Best Group) underscore the continent’s undeniable impact on Black entertainment and culture.
“CHANEL,” released in late 2025, blends Tyla’s signature amapiano-infused pop sound with luxurious, high-fashion visuals that have captivated audiences worldwide.
The track has charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and fueled viral dance challenges, social media buzz, and fashion conversations. Its nomination for Video of the Year highlights not just the song’s commercial success but its cultural resonance and innovative storytelling.
Tyla’s Impressive Track Record with BET
This recognition builds on Tyla’s impressive track record with BET. In 2024, she dominated by winning Best New Artist and Best International Act, tying for the most awards that night alongside Usher and Victoria Monét.
Those victories marked her as a breakout star following her historic 2024 Grammy win for Best African Music Performance with “Water” – the inaugural winner in that category.
She followed it up with another Grammy in 2026 for “PUSH 2 Start,” cementing her status as a two-time Grammy winner and one of the youngest African soloists to achieve such feats.
Born Tyla Seethal in Johannesburg, the artist rose from posting cover songs online to becoming a global ambassador for South African and African sounds.
Her self-titled debut album (2024) debuted at No. 24 on the Billboard 200, with “Water” peaking at No. 7 on the Hot 100. She has since collaborated with major artists, earned Billboard Music Awards, and appeared on prestigious lists like Forbes 30 Under 30.
Tyla’s sound often described as “popiano” fuses amapiano rhythms, R&B melodies, and pop accessibility. Industry insiders credit her with helping introduce amapiano to mainstream Western audiences while staying rooted in her South African heritage.
In acceptance speeches and interviews, she consistently shouts out the genre and her home country. The 2026 BET Awards, hosted by Druski and set for June 28 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrate excellence in music, entertainment, sports, and culture.
This year’s show introduces or highlights categories like Fashion Vanguard, reflecting evolving cultural conversations. For Tyla, these nominations represent more than personal achievement.
They signal broader acceptance of African artistry on platforms historically centered on American Black excellence. Fellow South African and continental stars have praised her trajectory, noting how her success opens doors for others.
Fans Reactions
Fans have already taken to social media with #TylaBET and voting campaigns for Viewer’s Choice. The category allows public input, giving her global fanbase strong across Africa, Europe, and the Americas -a direct role in the outcome.
As the awards approach, anticipation builds around potential performances. Tyla’s past BET appearance wowed audiences with energetic choreography and vibrant stage presence. A Video of the Year win would further validate “CHANEL” as one of the year’s defining visuals.
Tyla’s journey reflects the shifting landscape of global music. From Johannesburg studios to Grammy stages and now BET’s biggest categories, she embodies a new generation of African pop stars who refuse to be confined by borders.
Her nominations arrive amid a strong showing for African talent, including Tems’ multiple nods, pointing to sustained momentum. As she once said after her first Grammy win, the moment felt surreal but for this Johannesburg talent, it’s becoming the new normal.
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