Tyla proved that setbacks are just stepping stones to greater heights as she made a powerful comeback at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (MTV EMAs) in Manchester, England. The rising star, known for her genre-defying sound, took home three prestigious awards: Best R&B, Best African Act, and Best Afrobeat’s, solidifying her place as one of the most exciting global artists in the music scene today. The 22-year-old sensation, whose debut album Tyla has already made waves internationally, stole the show with her show-stopping red carpet appearance. Dazzling in a Roberto Cavalli blue tiger-print slip dress, Tyla paid tribute to the late R&B icon Aaliyah, whose legendary yellow-and-black striped Cavalli dress she drew inspiration from. Aaliyah famously wore the dress to the 2000 MTV VMAs, making Tyla’s choice a powerful nod to both the past and her future in the R&B world.
“I Can’t Believe It!” The night’s highlight came when Tyla was called to the stage to accept her Best Afrobeat’s award. Sharing the moment with her sister, Sydney Seethal, Tyla gave an emotional speech, thanking her supporters, her team, and most importantly, the Afrobeat’s genre. “For those who don’t know, this is my sister Sydney,” she introduced, her voice full of gratitude. “Thank you so much to my team, my family, and to the ‘Tyger’s’—you guys are the reason I’m here today.” Expressing her disbelief, Tyla added, “Oh my gosh, guys, I can’t believe it. Literally, all the nominees are insane. They have taken Afrobeat’s so far, and I’m so honoured to be winning this award. Thank you to everyone who voted for me.” Her sister, Sydney, beamed with pride, echoing Tyla’s sentiment and expressing how proud she was of her sister’s success. In the Best Afrobeat’s category, Tyla beat out an all-star line up of nominees, including heavyweights like Ayra Starr, Asake, Burna Boy, Rema, and Tems.
A Tearful R&B Victory Later in the evening, Tyla returned to the stage to accept her Best R&B award, holding her trophy in disbelief. “I’m just as shocked as you guys,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion. “Thank you so much to my ‘Tyger’s,’ my team, and the EMAs for believing in me.” Reflecting on her musical influences, Tyla mentioned Aaliyah as one of her idols. “R&B is a huge influence on me — especially Aaliyah,” she said, holding back tears. “The fact that I’m winning this in her dress is just incredible.” Tyla’s win in the Best R&B category was a major accomplishment, as she went up against some of the biggest names in the genre, including SZA, Usher, Kehlani, Victoria Monét, and Tinashe. The Grammy Snub Tyla’s victory at the MTV EMAs comes on the heels of a significant disappointment: her album Tyla received no nominations for the 2025 Grammy Awards. Despite being considered a frontrunner for Album of the Year, and with tracks like “Jump” and “Water” (featuring Marshmello) gaining serious traction, the snub left many fans and critics in shock.
On social media, Tyla’s Grammy exclusion sparked a wave of outrage. One user, @MataSiwo, tweeted, “Woke up to the devastating news that our beloved Tyla didn’t get a single Grammy nomination. Okay.” Another user, @thirdking0208, lamented, “IMO, the only real snub of the Grammys this year was Tyla. It’s absolutely wild that she didn’t get a single nomination.” The Future Looks Bright for Tyla Despite the Grammy snub, Tyla’s success at the MTV EMAs signals that her star is only continuing to rise. Rolling Stone recently named her as one of the biggest snubs of the 2025 Grammy Awards, calling her track “Water” a standout for its innovative fusion of Afrobeat’s, Amapiano, pop, and R&B. As Tyla looks forward to what promises to be an exciting year, it’s clear that this powerhouse artist is not only making waves but shaping the future of global music. With her unique blend of genres and her ability to connect with fans across the world, Tyla is poised for even more victories, both on and off the stage.
Fans are also buzzing about Tyla’s latest visual release for her hit single “Push 2 Start”, which has garnered widespread acclaim. The music video is a visual treat, and fans are praising Tyla for continuing to innovate and push boundaries. As the world continues to watch her meteoric rise, there’s no doubt Tyla will keep breaking records and inspiring a new generation of artists.
‘Under the Bridge’ is a heart-breaking true crime series of bullying gone too far
Not every show gets the hype it deserves, and unfortunately, some real gems slip through the cracks. One such underappreciated offering is Under the Bridge, a haunting and tragic true crime drama streaming on Disney+. Based on Rebecca Godfrey’s acclaimed novel, this series tackles a painful real-life story that is as emotionally charged as it is thought-provoking. A Tragic and Unflinching Story Developed by Quinn Shephard, Under the Bridge tells the story of Reena Virk (played by Vritika Gupta), a 14-year-old girl who tragically lost her life in 1997 in Saanich, British Columbia. Reena’s story is set against a backdrop of cultural tension, rebellion, and tragic betrayal. As the daughter of an Indian-Canadian Jehovah’s Witness family, Reena feels alienated from both her religious upbringing and her cultural heritage. She questions everything, seeking her identity and a sense of belonging, but what she finds instead is a group of troubled teenage girls who will ultimately lead her down a dark path.
Reena’s search for acceptance takes her to the “Crips Mafia Cartel,” a gang of outcast girls led by the manipulative Josephine Bell (Chloe Guidry). The gang, notorious for their rebellious behavior and cruelty, treats Reena as an outsider, constantly belittling her despite her efforts to fit in. Desperate to remain close to them, Reena even goes so far as to falsely accuse her father of abuse in order to be placed in a group home, Seven Oaks Youth Home, where she hopes to stay with her new “friends.” But Reena’s obsession with gaining their approval ultimately leads to betrayal, jealousy, and a fatal confrontation. The simmering tension between Reena and Josephine culminates in a tragedy that no one saw coming. The Investigation and Uncovering the Truth The show also takes a sharp turn toward a police investigation, which uncovers the harrowing details surrounding Reena’s disappearance. Writer Rebecca Godfrey (played by Riley Keough), who returns to her hometown after a decade away, begins to document the story of these troubled girls. But her investigation takes an unexpected turn when Reena goes missing, and the police are slow to take action, largely due to systemic racism and the bias surrounding Reena’s race and background. The case, involving a missing brown girl, doesn’t receive the same urgency or media attention as others might have.
Reena’s parents, Suman (Archie Panjabi) and Manji (Ezra Faroque Khan), are devastated by the loss and demand answers. Their heart-breaking journey to find justice is compounded by the refusal of the girls in the group to speak the truth about what happened to Reena. In the face of widespread silence, Officer Cam Bentland (Lily Gladstone) becomes the unlikely hero. She relentlessly pursues the investigation, even when it means going against her own father, who heads the police department and seeks to bury the case. As the investigation unfolds, the audience learns more about the complex and troubled lives of those close to Reena, including her uncle Raj Masihajjar (Anoop Desai), who is approached by Godfrey for insights into Reena’s past.
A Story About Bullying, Racism, and Tragic Friendship Under the Bridge is not an easy watch. The themes of bullying, racism, jealousy, revenge, and betrayal are central to the story and may be triggering for some viewers. However, the series does an exceptional job of unearthing the real, painful consequences of such toxic dynamics. The show doesn’t shy away from depicting the cruelty of high school bullying and the devastating toll it takes on those who fall victim to it. Panjabi, known for her acclaimed roles in The Good Wife and Departure, delivers an outstanding performance as Suman, Reena’s grieving mother. Her portrayal of a mother in agony over the loss of her child is raw and deeply moving, leaving viewers with a lump in their throat as they witness her emotional journey. A Heart-breaking Tale That Shouldn’t Be Ignored Ultimately, Under the Bridge is a powerful reminder of how tragedy can strike in unexpected ways, and how deeply personal stories can sometimes be overlooked by society. The series paints a stark portrait of a young girl whose search for identity and belonging led her to tragic circumstances, and how those closest to her are left to pick up the pieces.
While the show’s intense themes and difficult subject matter may not make it easy viewing for all audiences, its unflinching portrayal of real-life issues is something that deserves attention. Under the Bridge is a heart-breaking tale of loss, injustice, and the consequences of cruelty—and it is a story that will stay with you long after the final credits roll. If you’re looking for a show that will challenge your emotions and provoke thought, Under the Bridge is a must-watch—though be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you reflecting long after the screen goes dark.
