By Our Correspondent

National News – South African music star Tyla emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 52nd American Music Awards held on Monday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, United States.

The 24-year-old singer defeated Nigerian Afrobeats stars Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Rema to win the Best Afrobeats Artist category at the globally recognised award event hosted by Queen Latifah.

Tyla also secured the Social Song of the Year award for her hit track “CHANEL,” making her the only African artiste to win multiple awards at the 2026 AMAs.

The singer, whose full name is Tyla Seethal, was nominated in four categories, including Best Female R&B Artist and Best Music Video.

The award-winning song “CHANEL,” released in October 2025, has reportedly gained more than 320 million Spotify streams and topped music charts across several countries.

The success of the track further strengthened Tyla’s growing global reputation after the breakthrough success of her 2023 single “Water.”

Music lovers and entertainment analysts have continued debating the blend of amapiano, Afrobeats, pop, and R&B influences in Tyla’s sound, with many praising her international appeal and stage artistry.

Other major winners at the 2026 American Music Awards included BTS, who won Artist of the Year, while Sabrina Carpenter claimed Album of the Year for “Man’s Best Friend.”

The Song of the Year award went to “Golden” by HUNTR/X featuring EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami.