“This is just such a gift to be here,” the South African singer, who also won Best International Act, says
Tyla performed “Jump” during the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday. The South African singer has had a stellar Sunday night, having won Best New Artist and Best International Act prior to her set.
She was up against Sexyy Redd, October London, Fridayy, Bossmon Dlow, Ayra Starr, 4Batz, and 41 for Best New Artist. The award was presented by a reunited A Different World cast.
During Tyla’s acceptance speech for Best New Artist, she shouted out one of her favorites whom she competed with for the award. “Firstly, I love Sexyy Redd. Oh my gosh, I can’t I love her so much,” Tyla said. “I just want to dedicate this one to Africa. You know, I want to dedicate this one to all the African superstars before me that didn’t get these opportunities that I’m getting. Yeah, it’s just amazing. And Africa to the world guys!”
Following her acceptance speeches for the two awards, she performed “Jump,” which included Gunna and Skillibeng dropping their verses from the collaborative song, which appears on Tyla’s debut self-titled album; dancers in tiger suits; performers on stilts; and an elephant statue.
Rolling Stone‘s review of Tyla, which arrived in March, said of the album, “It illustrates the perpetual challenge of turning dance music euphoria into pop euphoria… Tyla’s debut, sure to be on repeat at better houseparties this year, shows she’s up to the challenge; amapiano probably couldn’t ask for a more effective ambassador.”
The Johannesburg native was also up for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist (which SZA won) and Viewer’s Choice Award for “Water” at the BET Awards.
