Rapper Cassper Nyovest has sparked a heated debate on social media after questioning why Tyla was overlooked for Record of the Year at the 30th South African Music Awards (SAMAs). Nyovest took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration, pointing out that despite Tyla’s international success with her hit single “Water,” which earned her a Grammy, she did not win the coveted award in her home country. “No ways. Tyla won a Grammy for ‘Water’, bro, but she don’t get the SAMA for Record of the Year at home? Haha, y’all are playing games,” Nyovest tweeted, igniting a passionate discussion among his followers. Tyla, who also won Female Artist of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and Best Pop Album for her debut project at the SAMAs, was absent from the ceremony due to a conflicting music video shoot. She shared her gratitude via a pre-recorded acceptance speech, and also received the International Achievement Award for her global success.
While Nyovest’s tweet resonated with many fans, it also prompted a broader conversation about the relationship between local and international recognition. Some fans agreed with Nyovest, arguing that South African awards should celebrate artists who put the country on the global map. Others, however, felt that awards should reflect local tastes and impact, rather than just international hype. One X user, @GodPenuel, commented, “She could have been cheated locally… However, we cannot & should not benchmark American success to automatically mean South African success. The masses of SA consume music differently than Americans, especially amaPiano, Gospel & Maskandi.” Others criticized the content of the song itself. @Dee_Amu pointed out, “Firstly, that song is a sexual song. Internationally, they celebrate such songs as it is their culture, but we have standards here!”
Despite the mixed responses, @flairsmelo argued, “To be realistic, Tyla should’ve won that award considering the fame that the song had gotten. It may not be popular in SA, but it’s still a song made by a South African artist.” The debate highlights the ongoing tension between local industry standards and international success, with Tyla’s recognition abroad raising questions about how South African music is celebrated at home.
Rachel Kolisi joins Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Awards in Cape Town
Rachel Kolisi made a stunning appearance at the Earthshot Awards in Cape Town yesterday, joining global leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs at the prestigious event hosted by Prince William. As a co-founder of The Kolisi Foundation and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and social justice, Rachel’s presence at the awards highlighted her commitment to making a positive impact on society. Looking elegant and poised, Rachel wore a chic navy short-sleeved top paired with long, wide-leg trousers. Styled by Ginara Bennet, she completed her look with a grey bag from Maira Champ and shoes by Steve Madden. Rachel looked relaxed and radiant after spending a rejuvenating weekend with her children and Siya’s younger sibling, Liphelo, at a retreat in Stanford.
Over the weekend, Rachel shared a heartfelt post on social media, announcing that she was enjoying a “weekend for the soul” as part of her journey to heal after a challenging few months. Following her recent relocation from France to South Africa and the announcement of her divorce from Siya Kolisi, Rachel has expressed her commitment to focusing on her personal well-being. Her social media followers have rallied around her with messages of support and love. Fans praised her strength and resilience, with comments like, “You are more precious than a diamond!” and “What doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.”
The Earthshot Week, founded by Prince William in 2020, is a global initiative that awards ground-breaking environmental solutions. This year’s ceremony was hosted by Bonang Matheba and featured performances by Billy Porter, a celebrated Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning artist. Rachel’s participation in such a significant event reflects her ongoing dedication to not only empowering women but also contributing to global efforts for a better future.
