Tyla has won the “Best Afrobeats Artist” award at the 2026 American Music Awards. The ceremony took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 25, 2026. She secured it ahead of Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, and MOLIY.

The win confirmed Tyla’s growing influence in global music. According to the official winners list released by the American Music Awards, Tyla was among the artists recognised during the fan voted ceremony.

Tyla: Instagram

Tyla also won “Social Song of the Year” for her hit single “CHANEL,” giving her two victories from four nominations. She was also nominated for Best Female R&B Artist and Best Music Video.

Read Also: Tyla’s “Chanel” Earns Two Nominations at the 2026 BET Awards

“CHANEL” has played a major role in Tyla’s recent success. The song was released in October 2025 and became one of her biggest global records since “Water.” it has surpassed 350 million Spotify streams. Fans drove the song’s success through online voting and helped her secure the Social Song of the Year award.

The AMA victory adds to an impressive run for Tyla this year.  She has already won the Grammy Awards award for Best African Music Performance for “Push 2 Start,” Tyla’s mastery of Amapiano and Afro pop music has pushed her to succeed in the music industry.

Tyla: Instagram

Other winners at the ceremony are Sabrina Carpenter, and Bruno Mars. However, Tyla’s double win stood out as one of the biggest achievements for African music.

Her AMA success arrives just weeks before the expected release of her upcoming sophomore album “A*POP,” Fans believe this could strengthen her position as one of Africa’s biggest international music groups.

Nomzamo Mbatha has described her role in Isibaya as the project that changed her career. Speaking on Because We Said So Podcast, she said the drama established her as a household name in South African television.

Isibaya is a drama series that aired on Mzansi Magic, where she played the role of Thandeka Zungu. The drama centres on family conflict and power struggles within the taxi industry.  In an interview, she explained that landing the role did not come easily.

“My journey has been colourful but not always easy. Throughout, I exercised my courage muscle because I had to make a lot of emotional and financial sacrifices to be where I am today” 

Photo: Instagram

When she first joined the cast, Nomzamo was still  new to leading television roles. According to her, she had to adapt to the demanding production schedule of a daily drama series. She has explained that the environment required quick adaptation.

Read Also: Nomzamo Mbatha Stuns in Black Feather-Accented Coat-Dress

She explained that working  with renowned actors and directors helped her develop professionally.

“Working alongside the likes of Eddie Murphy and Wesley Snipes was such a daunting and humbling experience. I was literally surrounded by Hollywood royalty.”

Photo: Instagram

She has spoken about adjusting to fame after the show gained popularity. She described this period as intense but necessary for her growth. It helped her understand the responsibilities of being a public figure.

Isibaya was the role that introduced her to millions of viewers and established her as one of South Africa’s top television talents. The drama contributed to her wider recognition and subsequent opportunities in entertainment.

Khanyi Mbau has officially exited Music Pulse, the music show under the Podcast and Chill Network umbrella. The news has generated widespread reactions across social media. Her departure comes a few months after the show underwent a major rebrand.

Khanyi Mars announced the news through her Instagram Stories on 19 May 2026. She confirmed officially leaving the network and that was no longer part of Music Pulse.

“I have officially taken the decision to leave Podcast and Chill network. I’m no longer part of Music Pulse. I am extremely grateful to the entire network,” Mars said. 

However, she did not explain the exact reasons behind her exit.

Photo: Instagram

The timing of her departure became a major talking point because the revamped Music Pulse just introduced controversial music executive Nota Baloyi as one of its co-hosts. The changes were unveiled during Podcast and Chill’s promoted “Cabinet Reshuffle” livestream event earlier this year. The panel then was Nota Baloyi, Khanyi Mars, Sfiso Ndlovu and Thakgi Ledwaba. Many viewers believed the new lineup would bring stronger engagement around the South African music industry.

Read Also: Zozibini Tunzi to Host Miss Universe Zimbabwe Finale

After Khanyi’s announcement, online discussions intensified, with some users pointing to what they described as a pattern of departures from the Podcast and Chill Network. An X  user HaositwePhiri tweeted:

First Moonaka, Seemah and now Mars. I’m seeing a pattern and I do not like the thoughts it’s evoking in me. @Solphendukaa what’s going there? Genuinely

Munaka had earlier left Piano Pulse, saying she wanted to focus on other priorities.

Another X user 33music_plug blamed Nota for the exit:

“Nota doesn’t give anyone space to share their opinion. He talks too much for my liking. There is an episode he cuts her off from Sharing her thoughts on the ongoing topic. Always claim he know all. That’s bad!”

The conversation was so intense that Podcast and Chill co-host Sol Phenduka addressed the speculation publicly on X. Responding to a user who suggested there might be deeper issues within the network, Sol argued that people leave jobs and workplaces all the time.

“A pattern Eyi. People leave jobs and positions  it happens everyday  in many SA companies.. Why do they leave?  fortunately you know all their social media accounts fam . Ask them. “

He told critics to ask the former hosts directly instead of creating conspiracy theories online.

Photo: Instagram

Khanyi Mars has remained a popular figure within South African entertainment culture for years. Apart from her podcast work, she is involved in reality television and online media. Her association with Podcast and Chill also attracted attention because fans had long linked her to the mysterious “Ghost Lady” identity connected to the network.

Khanyi Mars nor the management of Podcast and Chill Network has revealed whether her departure was connected to any disagreements. Social media users will continue to debate her departure until an official answer is given. Some believe the show will not be the same without her presence, while others hope the network introduces another major personality to fill the vacuum.