Tyla, the rising South African artist who made waves last year with her global hit “Water,” is now in the midst of a Grammy category debate. After her track earned the inaugural Grammy for Best African Music Performance earlier this year, her self-titled debut album was submitted for consideration in the Best R&B Album category. However, the Recording Academy’s R&B committee decided her music didn’t align with the genre’s criteria, leading to her album being redirected to the pop category.

Tyla’s sound is heavily influenced by amapiano, a South African genre that blends kwaito, deep house, afrobeats, and R&B elements. Despite this, her album was deemed more fitting for pop, meaning she’ll now face competition from some of the biggest names in pop music, including Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande.

Many have pointed out that several of Tyla’s songs, including her hit “Water,” have made strong showings on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart, with “Water” even reaching the #1 spot. This has led to questions about why her work wasn’t considered for the Progressive R&B category, which has previously recognized artists like SZA. Tyla herself responded to the situation on social media, stating that she blends multiple genres, signaling her diverse musical style.

I make it all 😘

— Tyla (@Tyllaaaaaaa) October 21, 2024

The controversy highlights ongoing discussions about genre classifications at the Grammys, with artists frequently questioning the Academy’s decisions when it comes to genre boundaries. Tyla’s journey into this debate showcases the challenges artists face as they navigate the evolving nature of musical categories.