South African Music Shines Bright as Tyla and Musa Keys Achieve Historic RIAA Milestones

South Africa’s global music influence soared to new heights in 2024 as Tyla and Musa Keys secured their places among 67 groundbreaking artists in the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) prestigious class of 2024. This achievement marks a significant milestone for African music on the global stage, celebrating artistry that transcends borders and resonates with millions worldwide.

Tyla’s breakout year was cemented by her chart-topping hit "Water," which earned a platinum certification, making her the highest-charting solo female African artist in U.S. history. The remix of "Water," featuring Travis Scott, captivated American audiences and climbed to an impressive No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Adding to her accolades, Tyla's self-titled debut album received a gold certification, with the track "Truth or Dare" earning individual gold recognition.

Her dominance in 2024 extended beyond charts to award ceremonies, where she swept categories at the VMAs, BET Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. Most notably, she made history as the inaugural winner of the Grammy for African Song Performance, a new category recognizing excellence in African music.

Musa Keys joined the ranks of RIAA honorees with his contribution to Davido’s global hit "Unavailable," which garnered a gold plaque. The infectious amapiano track solidified Musa Keys’ reputation as a key ambassador for the genre, propelling South African sounds further into the global spotlight.

These accomplishments place Tyla and Musa Keys among a diverse cohort of artists recognized by the RIAA for their commercial and cultural impact. Nigerian-born country music sensation Shaboozey also made headlines, with his single "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" becoming 2024’s best-selling track and setting a record as the longest-running No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Other notable names in this year’s class include rising pop sensation Chappell Roan, hip-hop breakout star Sexyy Red, and reggaeton powerhouse Karol G. With Tyla and Musa Keys flying the South African flag high, their success signals a promising future for African music on the global stage.