Global South African star Tyla is set to receive one of the South African Music Awards’ highest accolades when she returns home for SAMA32 on 15 August 2026 at the iconic Sun City Superbowl.
The two-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer and songwriter will be honoured with the International Achievement Award, marking another major milestone in a career that has seen her become one of South Africa’s biggest musical exports. Tyla previously received the award at SAMA30 and now becomes only the second artist, after Black Coffee, to receive the prestigious honour twice.
At the heart of Tyla’s highly anticipated homecoming is AfriPure, the proudly South African beauty brand whose support is helping bring the global star back to the SAMA stage on home soil. As the sponsor of the International Achievement Award, AfriPure says its involvement reflects its commitment to celebrating African excellence, confidence and ambition on the world stage.
“When we were approached with the opportunity to play a part in recognizing Tyla’s global achievement, here at home, it felt like a natural fit for a beauty brand to align with the biggest A-pop star,” said Grant Heynes, entrepreneur and co-founder of AfriPure. He added, “Tyla represents the confidence, creativity and global ambition that we believe in at AfriPure, and we are proud to support a moment that celebrates her achievements on home soil.”
Heynes said Tyla’s continued international success also highlights the growing influence of South African music and culture around the world.
“Tyla embodies the fearless ambition and creative excellence of a new generation of South African artists. Her journey resonates deeply with AfriPure: an African story, rooted at home, confident in its identity, represents a beauty and capable of commanding a place on the global stage. For us, this is about celebrating what is possible when African talent, creativity and ambition are given the space to shine.”
The SAMA32 is supported by a formidable group of partners, including the Motsepe Foundation, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), SA Tourism, SABC, IOL, Great Africa Group, the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO), Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), RiSA Audio Visual (RAV), MNM Funerals, Settlers Media and NX.
The awards have also evolved beyond simply celebrating music, positioning the North West Province as a destination for culture, tourism, creativity and investment.
“By bringing together iconic artists, emerging talent, industry leaders and thousands of music lovers from across the country and beyond, SAMA32 stimulates tourism, supports local economic activity and creates opportunities for small businesses, creatives, entrepreneurs and the hospitality sector,” said Unati Gwija.
For Tyla, the honour represents another homecoming moment for an artist whose music has travelled far beyond South Africa. Her return to the SAMAs celebrates not only her individual achievements, but also the growing global influence of South African music and the artists shaping the country’s cultural identity.
The South African Music Awards remain the country’s premier music awards platform, recognising excellence, innovation and achievement across the recording industry while celebrating the artists and creators who continue to shape South Africa’s cultural identity and global influence.
