South African global sensation Tyla has claimed the title of Favourite Afrobeats Artist at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs), held at the dazzling Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Monday night. The “Water” hitmaker edged out a competitive lineup that included Nigerian powerhouses Wizkid, Tems, Rema, and Asake.

The win marks yet another milestone in Tyla’s meteoric rise, further cementing her as a force on the global Afrobeats stage. With this victory, she becomes the first South African to win in the category, which debuted in 2022 and was first won by Wizkid, thanks to his international smash hit “Essence.”

While Tyla made headlines in the Afrobeats space, the night belonged to Billie Eilish, who swept all seven of her nominations, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (HIT ME HARD AND SOFT), and Song of the Year (BIRDS OF A FEATHER), making her the biggest winner of the 2025 AMAs.

Eminem made a triumphant return, winning his first AMA in 15 years, taking home Favourite Male Hip-Hop Artist and Favourite Hip-Hop Album for The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce).

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars clinched both Collaboration of the Year and Favorite Music Video for their joint hit “Die With A Smile.”

Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande were the biggest snubs of the night, losing all their nominations despite strong expectations.

Tyla’s win signals a significant moment not just for her career but for South African and pan-African representation in global music. As Afrobeats continues to expand its influence worldwide, her success highlights the genre’s evolution beyond West Africa and its growing diversity.