Tyla Beats Tems and Burna Boy at iHeart Awards

Tyla, a singer from South Africa, made history by winning “World Artist of the Year” at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

The awards ceremony was held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17, 2025.

She won the award by beating other popular artists like Tems, Burna Boy, Central Cee, and YG Marley.

The 23-year-old singer, famous for her hit song “Water”, made history as the first winner of this new award category.

Tyla’s win is a big achievement in her quickly rising career.

Over the past year, Tyla has been very successful, topping music charts worldwide and winning a Grammy award. She has also collaborated with many famous artists.

Her song “Water” became a huge hit, reaching number one on the US Afrobeats chart and selling lots of copies. It even got a remix with famous rapper Travis Scott.

The iHeart Awards competition was tough, especially since Burna Boy, who sees himself as Africa’s top musician, was also competing.

Tems was also expected to do well, thanks to her popular collaborations with famous rappers Drake and Future.

In the end, Tyla won, proving she’s one of Africa’s fastest-rising music stars.

Kendrick Lamar showed he’s a top rapper by winning Hip-Hop Song of the Year with “Not Like Us”.

The song, thought to be aimed at Drake, was a huge hit.

It also sparked a very popular argument between the two famous rappers.

The category had many strong competitors, including Drake’s song, “Rich Baby Daddy,” with Sexyy Red and SZA. But Kendrick’s win showed that meaningful lyrics and storytelling are still the most important things in hip-hop.

Kendrick’s win over Drake was symbolic because of their feud.

Highlights from the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards

The iHeartRadio Music Awards also honoured many other famous musicians besides Tyla and Kendrick.

Taylor Swift was named Artist of the Year and won an award for her very successful Eras Tour. The Eras Tour won the Tour of the Century.

Mariah Carey received the Icon Award and Lady Gaga the Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards ceremony.

Sabrina Carpenter was named the best pop artist, and GloRilla was named the best hip-hop artist.

Teddy Swims was named the best new pop artist, and Muni Long’s song “Made for Me” was named the best R&B song.

Future and Metro Boomin’s “We Don’t Trust You” won the Hip Hop album of the year.

Usher’s “Coming Home” also won the R&B album of the year.