Watch: Tyla celebrates African artists in heartfelt SAMA32 moment

Tyla turned her SAMA32 acceptance speech into a beautiful celebration of South African and African music, inviting fellow artists to join her on stage as she accepted international recognition.

The South African superstar received the AfriPure International Achievement Award at the 32nd South African Music Awards at Sun City Superbowl on Saturday, 15 August. The award recognised her growing international impact and the way she has carried South African music onto the global stage.

Yet when Tyla stepped up to accept the award, her attention quickly turned towards home. ‘I just love my country so much and I want to take this moment to celebrate all the artists from here,’ she told the crowd.

She then began calling artists onto the stage, encouraging them to share the moment with her. ‘I want you guys to share the stage with me right now,’ Tyla said.

Soon, the stage filled with artists as Tyla called for even more African musicians to join them. ‘I want to take this moment to celebrate all African artists,’ she said.

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A celebration of African music and culture

The singer’s speech became increasingly heartfelt as she reflected on the artists who have influenced her.

‘Our music, our culture is so rich and I’m so proud of everybody,’ she said.

Tyla also acknowledged the generations of African musicians who helped create the foundation she now stands on internationally.

‘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,’ she said.

She also shared excitement about collaborations connecting her to other African artists, before returning to the feeling that seemed to define the entire moment.

‘I’m just so happy to be South African. I’m happy to be African, most of all.’ Her message came at a time when conversations around African unity have been particularly complicated.

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Relations between South Africa and Nigeria have faced tensions around immigration and xenophobia, while Tyla’s planned Nigerian performance was recently cancelled amid controversy and calls for a boycott.

For a few minutes on the SAMA32 stage, Tyla offered a different picture of the continent. One where artists stand together, celebrate one another and recognise how deeply connected African music has always been.

‘I pray, I pray one day to see a unified Africa,’ Tyla said. ‘It’s so important.’ She ended by thanking the artists around her and telling them, simply, ‘I love you guys.’

This acceptance speech was Tyla using a moment meant to celebrate her own journey to honour the people, music and culture that helped shape it.