South African music sensation Tyla is set to make continental history by becoming the first African artist to host the prestigious Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, scheduled to air live on June 21, 2025, from Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
The exciting announcement was made by Nickelodeon on Thursday, as the organisers also revealed the full list of nominees for this year’s edition of the globally followed children’s entertainment awards.
Tyla, known for her vibrant stage presence, international appeal, and Grammy-winning talent, continues to break boundaries—and now she is adding another historic milestone to her meteoric rise in global pop culture.
From Johannesburg to the Global Stage
At just 22, Tyla has quickly become one of Africa’s most recognizable music exports. Known for her chart-topping hits and magnetic performances, the Johannesburg-born artist has captivated audiences from Lagos to London, and now, she’s stepping into the spotlight on one of the world’s most watched youth entertainment platforms.
“I’m really about to host the Kids’ Choice Awards,” Tyla posted excitedly on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday evening, shortly after the news broke.
The announcement has sparked waves of congratulations from fans across the globe, with South Africans taking particular pride in Tyla’s continued success as a cultural ambassador.
Double Nominations: Tyla Shines on Both Stage and Screen
In addition to her historic hosting role, Tyla has also secured two major nominations at the 2025 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. She is nominated in the “Favourite Global Music Star” category and also for “Favourite Music Collaboration” for her hit single Show Me Love, a joint track with WizTheMc and bees & honey that has taken international music charts by storm.
The soulful yet upbeat track has garnered millions of streams across platforms, with fans praising the chemistry between the collaborators and the song’s vibrant fusion of Afrobeat, pop, and dancehall elements.
“It’s amazing to be recognized not just as a performer, but for the music I’ve created with artists I admire,” Tyla said in a brief reaction posted on her Instagram Stories. “I’m grateful for the love, and I can’t wait to bring that energy to the stage as your host!”
2025 Nominee Highlights: Music and Movies Take Center Stage
This year’s Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards promises to be a star-studded affair, with some of the biggest names in music and film leading the nominations. Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, and Lady Gaga each secured four nominations, showcasing their continued dominance across both youth and mainstream pop culture.
They are followed closely by Selena Gomez, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Jelly Roll, and Jack Black, who each earned three nods, further heating up the competition ahead of the June 21 ceremony.
The awards will feature fan-favorite categories across music, film, television, and social media. As always, fans will be able to cast their votes online in various categories, with winners determined by the public.
A New Era of African Representation
Tyla’s appointment as host of this year’s awards is particularly significant in the context of African representation on global entertainment platforms. She becomes the first African entertainer to ever host the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, a feat that underscores her growing global influence and the surging popularity of African music worldwide.
Her success follows a growing trend of African artists making waves internationally, from Burna Boy and Wizkid to Tems and Rema. But hosting a globally televised children’s show marks a new frontier for African stardom—one that blends music, culture, and youth engagement.
“Tyla’s journey is a beacon of inspiration for African creatives,” said Kemi Oyekan, a Lagos-based culture critic and pop commentator. “To go from the streets of Johannesburg to hosting one of the world’s biggest kids’ shows is no small feat. It tells every African child with a dream that the world is listening.”
Nickelodeon’s Global Appeal and Tyla’s Star Power
For Nickelodeon, Tyla is a fitting host—not only for her musical achievements but also for her ability to connect with young audiences across cultures. Her fashion-forward image, TikTok virality, and relatable personality make her a strong choice to lead a show that celebrates youth, creativity, and global unity.
This year’s edition is also expected to include interactive segments, celebrity slime moments, and performances from top global acts, with the full performance lineup to be announced in the coming weeks.
According to the organisers, Tyla’s hosting gig will feature “vibrant performances, audience engagement, and a uniquely African flair that reflects her heritage and global impact.”
Fans React with Joy and Anticipation
Fans across social media platforms have lit up with enthusiasm following the announcement. From Johannesburg to Accra, Nairobi to New York, Tyla’s fans are gearing up to support her on what is expected to be one of the biggest nights of her career so far.
“Tyla hosting the Kids’ Choice Awards? African excellence!” wrote one fan on X.
“From Grammy wins to hosting Nickelodeon? She’s unstoppable!” tweeted another.
“So proud of Tyla. She’s putting South Africa and Africa on the map again,” another post read.
What’s Next for Tyla?
Tyla’s hosting announcement adds to a whirlwind year that has already seen her headline international music festivals, collaborate with major artists, and continue to build a brand that fuses youthful exuberance with cultural authenticity.
Rumors are swirling about a potential second studio album set to drop later this year, as well as more collaborations with international stars. But for now, the spotlight is firmly on her upcoming role at the Kids’ Choice Awards—an event that promises to further elevate her career and solidify her position as a global force.
