The 66th Annual Grammy Awards were a night to remember, not just for legendary names and epic comebacks, but also for the exciting newcomers who etched their names in music history for the very first time.
Let’s celebrate some of these groundbreaking artists – Tyla, Miley Cyrus, Karol G, and more – who walked away with their first Grammy statuettes, each representing a unique musical journey and a diverse range of sounds.
Tyla: Pioneering a New Grammy Category
South African singer-songwriter Tyla made history by winning the very first Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for her song “Water.” The 22-year-old makes history as the first-ever Best African Music performance winner.
The South African starlet came ahead of ASAKE & Olamide (“Amapiano”); Burna Boy (“City BoysMiracle”); Davido Featuring Musa Keys (“UNAVAILABLE”); and Ayra Starr (“Rush”).
The amapiano-based pop song entered the Billboard Hot 100 last year, the first for a South African solo artist since Hugh Masekela in 1968.
This newly established category marks a significant step towards acknowledging the vibrant and diverse music scene from Africa.
Miley Cyrus: A Blossoming Flower
With a career spanning over two decades, Miley Cyrus has experienced immense personal and artistic evolution. However, the 2024 Grammys marked her first win in the coveted Best Pop Solo Performance category for her hit song “Flowers.” This first win also ushered another win for her in the Record of the Year category, making her a two-time Grammy award winner.
This win signifies Cyrus’s consistent growth and solidifies her position as a powerful voice in pop music.
Karol G: Queen of Urban Music Arrives
Colombian singer Karol G, already a five-time Latin Grammy Award winner, finally claimed her first Grammy Award this year for Best Música Urbana Album with her critically acclaimed project “Mañana Será Bonito.”
Her victory showcases the global reach of Latin music and its growing influence on mainstream audiences. “This is my first time at the Grammys and this is my first time holding my own Grammy,” she said with excitement during her acceptance speech.
Other notable mentions go to Coco Jones for scooping the Best R&B Performance for her hit ‘ICU and Victoria Monet for snagging the Best New Artist award.
These victories are more than just individual triumphs; they mark a shift in the musical landscape. They amplify diverse voices, showcase innovative styles, and inspire a new generation of creators to dream big and chase their own Grammy moments.
Source: Murugi Gichovi
