Tyla named 'World Artist of the Year' at iHeartRadio Awards in Los Angeles

702's John Perlman chats to 947's Nick Explicit about South African popstar Tyla's latest big win as World Artist of the Year at Tuesday's iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles. 

Listen below: 

Mzansi's amapiano queen Tyla bagged the 2025 World Artist Of The Year Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles on Monday, 17 March.

The event recognises the most popular artists and music over the past year. Winners are chosen per cumulative performance data, while the public can vote in several categories.

Tyla was up against Burna Boy, Central Cee, Tems and YG Marley in the same category.

She was also nominated in two other categories – R&B Song of the Year for Water and Dance Song of the Year for her remix of Water with Marshmello.

This adds to the hitmaker's Grammy, several MTV Awards, two BET Awards, and two Billboard Awards, becoming the second South African solo artist after Hugh Masekela to top the Billboard Hot 100 Awards with Water for the first time in 56 years, and a few South African Music Awards.

Tyla also recently became the first South African and solo African artist to have a song break a billion streams on Spotify.

"When it comes to Tyla... the word 'first' has become synonymous with her name. So when it comes to Tyla and awards, she's virtually unstoppable at this moment," says Explicit.

"It's the fusion of authentic music; she's true to her sound... She sounds like no one in the industry... and unapologetically South African," notes Explicit.

Explicit also says that Tyla's win is a win for Mzansi and its artists...

"This will create almost like a knock-on effect to say, 'What else has South Africa got to offer that the rest of the world hasn't heard yet?'"

The pop star was not in attendance, but her Tigers (fans) have been congratulating her online.

The South African government’s official X page also shared enthusiastic congratulations.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.