Rising African music star Tyla made history last night by winning the inaugural Best African Music Performance Grammy for her hit single “Water.” This groundbreaking new category featured fierce competition from fellow nominees Asake and Olamide (“Amapiano”), Ayra Starr “Rush”), Burna Boy (“City Boys”), and Davido featuring Musa Keys (“Unavailable”).

Tyla delivered a speech thanking her fans across Africa and the world. She joins the elite ranks of Grammy-winning African artists like Angelique Kidjo and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

“Water” is the lead single from Tyla’s highly anticipated self-titled debut album, due out March 22. With smooth Afropop melodies over traditional African rhythms, “Water” showcases her singular sound blending modern and traditional. This Grammy win will surely propel even greater interest in Tyla’s fresh voice.

The Best African Music Performance category is one of three new additions at this year’s Grammy Awards, recognizing the incredible diversity of today’s music. As African music continues to crossover into mainstream Western markets, this new Grammy category cements its significance and influence. Tyla’s historic win opens the door for many more African artists to gain acclaim on music’s biggest global stage.