Grammy winner Tyla is among some of South Africa's top talents set to shine at Sunday night’s BET Awards at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, California, along with artists including Lauryn Hill, Ice Spice, GloRilla and Will Smith.
Tyla is nominated for four awards: Best International Act; Best New Artist; Best Female R&B/Pop Artist; and the BET Viewer’s Choice Award.
Limpopo-born Makhadzi (Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona) performed on stage at Friday’s BET International nominees celebration at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, and danced on the red carpet.
She wore a neon pink cut-out pantset by her stylist, Mamello Makha, and was accompanied by her manager, Maphuti Perez.
“June 30th is my birthday and it’s my first BET, so it’s a celebration no matter what,” Makhadzi told the Sunday Times.
“I’ve been feeling so good, meeting new people, new vibes here in LA, and I feel like the world’s working for me.
“It’s been a dream come true for me and if I win this award, I’d like to invite all my friends to come feel my energy and come celebrate with me — if I win, it’s going to be the best birthday present ever.”
Makhadzi, who turns 28 on Sunday, was in Durban when she heard news of her nomination for Best New International Act.
“I was with my manager and we were coming back from an interview at Ukhozi FM, driving back to the hotel. At first, I didn’t take it seriously, then I started to google the BET Awards nominations, and [when I saw my name there], I was over the moon.”
At Sunday night’s BET Awards, Makhadzi will be wearing a bold South African-inspired creation by Johannesburg-based Makha.
“The dress is red with beading; represents the South African flag flying high. This nomination means a lot to me, and it shows that hard work, consistency, and family support pay off.
“Growing up in Limpopo I never thought that this moment would happen. Music for me was just a passion. I knew that God had bigger plans for me but now I know his real plans are even bigger. I’m excited for Tyla and the other nominees as well, South Africa this is our time.”
The “Queen of Popiano” will be up against South African rapper Focalistic, who is also nominated in the Best International Act category.
Focalistic (Lethabo Sebetso) was a footballer before pursuing his musical career. After receiving a political science degree from the University of Pretoria, he won the Artist on Rise Competition in 2016, with his single Fak’mali debuting at the top of the YFM Hip Hop music charts.
In April 2020, Focalistic’s single Ke Star was certified gold, with a later remix in February 2021 featuring Nigerian singer Davido and Vigro Deep. The remix received huge global success, charting at Number 16 on the Billboard Top Triller Global Chart in the US, followed by seven nominations at the All Africa Music Awards in 2021.
Johannesburg-born Tyla, the youngest African artist to win a Grammy and the first winner of this year’s Best African Music Performance Grammy, will be up against some stiff competition in the Best Female R&B categories, including Beyoncé, Doja Cat, Ayra Starr and Muni Long.
Thembisa-born amapiano DJ and record producer Tyler ICU (born Austin Kulani Baloyi) is also nominated in the Viewer’s Choice: Best International Act category.
Tyler ICU has garnered international attention of late, with global superstar Rihanna endorsing him for his recent club hit Mnike, featuring DJ Maphorisa Nandhipa808, Ceeka RSA, Tumelo and Tyron Dee.
Currently on a tour through France, he has generated a legion of amapiano TikTok fans with his Mnike dance challenge, created by Rozette Makka of Langebaan.
The BET Awards, hosted by actress Taraji P Henson, will air live today on BET International at 8pm US Eastern Time, from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, and will be broadcast on BET Africa on Monday at 2am.
Drake leads the nominations with seven, followed by Nicki Minaj with six; J.Cole, Sexxy Red, Sza and Victoria Monet tie with five; while 21 Savage, Beyoncé, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyla and Usher are tied with four apiece.
Usher will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.