The South African singer thrilled fans with a surprise appearance at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, adding another milestone to her fast-rising global career.

New York City, United States (Running Africa) — South African Grammy Award-winning singer Tyla made a surprise appearance alongside global music icon Shakira during the opening night of the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, delivering one of the night’s biggest moments.

The unexpected collaboration drew loud cheers from thousands of fans as the two international stars shared the stage in a high-energy performance that fused Shakira’s signature Latin pop sound with Tyla’s amapiano-inspired style, showcasing the growing global influence of African music.

Performance Goes Viral on Social Media

Videos from the performance quickly spread across social media, with fans praising the duo’s chemistry, stage presence, and seamless musical blend.

The surprise appearance further elevated Tyla’s international profile, with many describing the performance as one of the standout moments of the concert’s opening night.

Momentum Builds Ahead of New Album

The performance comes just weeks after Tyla captivated a global audience by performing South Africa’s national anthem during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

It also arrives ahead of the release of her highly anticipated second studio album, APop*, which is expected to build on the international success of her debut project.

Historic Grammy Success

Earlier this year, Tyla became the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance twice, extending her record-breaking rise on the global music stage.

She first claimed the award in 2024 with her breakthrough hit “Water” before earning a second Grammy in 2026 for the viral single “Push 2 Start.”

The milestone further cemented her status as one of Africa’s most successful contemporary artists and one of the fastest-rising names in global music.

African Music Continues Global Rise

Tyla’s collaboration with Shakira underscores the increasing prominence of African artists on the international stage, as Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African music genres continue to shape mainstream popular culture.

From Grammy victories and FIFA World Cup performances to sharing the stage with some of the world’s biggest entertainers, Tyla’s latest appearance reflects the growing global demand for African talent and reinforces her position as one of the continent’s leading musical ambassadors.