Tyla’s Grammy Controversy: From African Music to Pop

Tyla’s Grammy Journey

Tyla made history by winning the first-ever Grammy for best African music performance earlier this year. However, her debut album is set to compete in the pop category at the 2025 show.

The Genre Dilemma

Tyla’s self-titled album was initially submitted for consideration in the best R&B album category. Surprisingly, it was moved to the best pop vocal album category by the Recording Academy’s R&B screening committee. This committee, comprised of artists, producers, and songwriters, deemed experts in the R&B genre, made the decision. If nominated in the pop category, Tyla will be up against albums by artists like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, and Chappell Roan.

Amapiano, Afrobeats, and R&B Fusion

Tyla’s album, rooted in the Southern African genres of Amapiano, Afrobeats, and R&B, consists of 14 tracks. Many believe that instead of being categorized as pop, it should be competing in the best progressive R&B album category. This category was created to recognize R&B-based albums that incorporate various sounds and elements, from rap to dance to pop. SZA’s album won this award earlier this year.

Billboard Success

Six tracks from Tyla’s album have made it to Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart, with the viral hit “Water” reaching the number one spot. “Water” also peaked at number seven on the all-genre Hot 100 chart and spent 51 weeks at the top of the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.

Grammy Recognition

“Water” not only topped the charts but also won the inaugural best African music performance Grammy in February. While Tyla could have been submitted for the best world music album category, her album’s sonic qualities make it a better fit for the best progressive R&B album category. The album features collaborations with artists like Travis Scott, Tems, Gunna, Becky G, and Skillibeng.

Genre Boundaries

The decision to place Tyla’s album in the pop category has raised eyebrows, especially considering past nominations like Lizzo’s album that blended pop with R&B, dance, and rap. The Grammys’ handling of genre classification, such as not reclassifying Tommy Richman’s non-rap song submitted to rap categories, has faced criticism on social media.

Grammy Timeline

The first-round voting for the 2025 Grammys recently concluded. Nominations will be announced on November 8, with final voting taking place from December 12 to January 3. The live show is scheduled to air on February 2 from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

FAQs

Q: Why was Tyla’s album moved to the pop category?

A: The Recording Academy’s R&B screening committee, comprised of industry experts, made the decision to move Tyla’s album from the R&B category to pop.

Q: What genres influence Tyla’s music?

A: Tyla’s music is rooted in Amapiano, Afrobeats, and R&B, showcasing a fusion of Southern African sounds.

Q: How did “Water” perform on the charts?

A: “Water” reached number one on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart and spent 51 weeks at the top of the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.

Q: When will the 2025 Grammy nominations be announced?

A: The nominations for the 2025 Grammys will be revealed on November 8, with the final voting period running from December 12 to January 3.

Q: Where will the 2025 Grammy live show take place?

A: The live show is scheduled to air on February 2 from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Credit: www.hollywoodreporter.com