South African singer Tyla has won the Best Afrobeats Artist award at the 2026 American Music Awards held in Las Vegas, United States.

Tyla emerged victorious in the fan-voted category ahead of Nigerian music stars Burna Boy, Wizkid and Rema, as well as Ghanaian-American singer MOLIY.

The award ceremony took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and was hosted by Queen Latifah.

The event celebrated achievements across multiple music genres including pop, hip-hop, country, Latin music and Afrobeats.

K-pop group BTS emerged among the biggest winners of the night, taking home the Artist of the Year award. The group also won Song of the Summer for “Swim” and delivered the opening performance of the ceremony.

American rapper Cardi B also enjoyed a successful night, winning Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, Best Hip-Hop Song for “ErrTime” and Best Hip-Hop Album for AM I THE DRAMA?

Meanwhile, pop star Sabrina Carpenter won Album of the Year for Man’s Best Friend and also claimed the Best Female Pop Artist award.

Tyla’s victory further highlights the growing global influence of Afrobeats and African music on the international stage, with artists from Africa continuing to secure recognition at major global award ceremonies.