Mzansi stand up! Tyla, Maglera and Dlala Thukzin score BET nominations

by Nomonde Simelane

Dlala Thukzin, Tyla, Maglera Doe Boy, and Uncle Waffles have given fans yet another reason to be a proud South African, as they have been revealed as official BET Award nominees.

There has never been a better time to be South African, as our countrymen have been representing and lifting mzansi’s flag proudly in various aspects of life, whether it be music, sports or politics. South Africa is a nation known for its intense pride in its rich and diverse culture.

Mzansi’s loud and proud nature is backed up by the immeasurable talent that the country has to offer, as we are witnessing South African entertainment breaking into the mainstream international stage. Furthermore, the rise of genres such as amapiano, gqom, and the distinct SA hip-hop sound that is greatly infused with traditional sounds has played a significant role in the current popular universal sounds, as hit makers are drawing inspiration from our artists.

As a testament to this, South African artists, and African artists at large, are receiving some much-needed recognition for their contributions to the current population. This serves as a pivotal moment for the African continent, as in previous years and eras, our artists were often overlooked, despite producing quality products.

The popular BET Awards are fast approaching, and they have revealed their long lists of nominations that will be going head-to-head to see who will emerge as the eventual winner. Lo and behold, a few of mzansi’s superstars have made the cut, and will be in the running to add their names to the list of our artists to scoop a BET Award, joining the likes of Sjava, the late AKA, Makhadzi, Black Coffee and Sho Madjozi.

Best International Act

Tyla: After winning a Grammy Award in her debut season, it comes as no surprise that mzansi’s popiano princess has secured herself a 2025 BET nomination, as her self-titled debut album has been dubbed a no-skips classic that has made its mark in pop culture.

Uncle Waffles: After making the most of one viral moment that happened during the peak of the Cvid-19 pandemic, Uncle Waffles has gone on to prove her doubters wrong, and show the world that her rise to fame was no mistake or fluke, but rather much0-deserved. Although she is Eswatini-born, Waffles constantly credits and acknowledges South Africa’s industry for her continued success, as the fans played an important role in where she is today.

Best New International Act

Dlala Thukzin: When it comes to artists who are universally loved by the masses, hit-maker Dlala Thukzin embodies exactly that, as the producer has gained notoriety across the globe. Fans constantly comment on his humble nature, as they highlight how likeable it has made him. His immense talent also helps his cause, as he has proven to be one of the more versatile producers, with gqom-infused hits such a Phuze, all the way to the new three-step sound Ama Gear.

Maglera Doe Boy:  Maglera Doe Boy can be described as a music anomaly in South Africa, as unlike many hip-hop artists who have come before him, the youngster has managed to simultaneously connect with his local South African audience, while seamlessly breaking into the international stage. The Ntjaka hit-maker has also paved his own way in the fashion industry, as he has been able to bag various partnerships and collaborations, including with popular local luxury brand MaXhosa.

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