Despite initially being submitted under the R&B category for the upcoming Grammy Awards, Tyla’s debut album will now compete under the Pop category alongside Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chapell Roan. This sudden and unexpected move by the Grammy’s has given rise to speculation that this was an attempt to sabotage Tyla, by putting her up against the heavyweights of the music industry.
Tyla’s success has been one for the books, and she continues to climb to the top. The Water hit-maker recently made headlines for calling out the American entertainment industry for its tendency to box African artists together. Continuing, Tyla emphasised her desire to break the stereotype often placed on African artists and become mainstream R&B and pop artists.
This display of activism from the South African superstar might have triggered the Grammy’s decision to move her and allow her to compete in a category that aligns better with her sound.
Tyla’s self-titled debut album has been moved to the Pop Vocal category after originally being submitted for the R&B category at the Grammys. (via @THR) pic.twitter.com/xk91MhG2Ny
— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) October 21, 2024
This announcement has not sat well with Tyla’s supporters, who the artist affectionately refers to as ‘Tygers’, as they believe that this move was made deliberately to ensure that Tyla would not win as the contenders in the R&B category are among the highest selling and most popular artists in the world.
The album was a strong contender for R&B so they removed it and placed it in a category where it’s impossible to win. We’ve watched this movie before.
— Doja Minaj (@therealchunleee) October 21, 2024
This means they know Tyla would’ve won for the R&B category, now it will be impossible for her to win because she will literally be competing against the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor swift, Ariana grande, Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan
I’ve seen this movie before ? https://t.co/qWLvdEd7ef
— 2022 AFRICA (@2022AFRICA) October 21, 2024
However, some supporters have chosen to highlight the silver lining in this situation, which according to them, is that this unofficially confirms that Tyla would have dominated the R&B category, and furthermore, moving her to pop solidifies her talent as among the best of the best.
She already has a Grammy under her belt. I’m glad she’s nominated in Pop because it proves she’s with the big dogs. They throw all the underdogs in the R&B category.
— maMkholo-kaBizela (@LifeyKaBizela) October 21, 2024
Also see: Emtee speaks on still organising his own shows, despite being signed to Empire Africa
