News24 | 'I'm the top dog': Babes Wodumo names Beyoncé and Tyla as her only competition
Published May 21, 2026 · EUROPA

In a viral interview clip circulating on social media, Queen of Gqom Babes Wodumo made it clear that, as far as she is concerned, the list of artists who can genuinely compete with her is very short.
Babes Wodumo, widely recognized as a leading figure in the Gqom music scene, has recently articulated her perspective on competition within the music industry. In a video segment gaining traction on social media platforms, she singled out only two artists whom she considers genuine contenders against her musical influence.
The South African singer specified Beyoncé and Tyla as the exclusive peers capable of matching her impact and stature. This declaration underscores her confidence in her position within the contemporary music landscape, particularly in the genre she helped popularize.
Related stories
Babes Wodumo’s assertion comes amidst ongoing discussions about the evolving dynamics of African and global music markets. By naming Beyoncé, an international icon, alongside Tyla, a rising star, she positions herself both among global heavyweights and emerging talents.
Her remarks also reflect a broader conversation about female representation and rivalry in the music industry. Babes Wodumo’s selective identification of competitors suggests a focused recognition of artists who have achieved significant artistic and commercial milestones.
While the clip has sparked attention, the details surrounding the full context of her statements remain limited. There is no further elaboration on the criteria she used to determine this exclusive list of competitors.
This perspective adds a new dimension to the understanding of Babes Wodumo's confidence and self-assessment in her career trajectory. It also invites reflection on how artists define competition in an industry marked by diverse genres and international influences.
Babes Wodumo’s prominence in Gqom music is undisputed, having contributed to the genre’s growth beyond South Africa’s borders. By placing Beyoncé and Tyla alongside herself, she implicitly acknowledges the interconnected nature of local and global music scenes.
The interaction also highlights the evolving narrative among female artists asserting their roles and influence amid a traditionally male-dominated industry. Babes Wodumo’s stance may inspire further discourse on the benchmarks of success and rivalry among women in music.
As social media continues to amplify artists’ voices, such statements resonate widely, shaping public perception and industry conversations. Babes Wodumo’s naming of these two artists as her main competition reaffirms her ambition and the esteem in which she holds fellow female musicians.
Further details about this interview and any subsequent responses from the artists mentioned have not been disclosed. For now, Babes Wodumo’s assessment stands as a significant insight into her self-view and the competitive landscape from her vantage point.
Full story & global impact
This article was synthesized and rewritten by MusicTop Editorial from reporting published by NewsAPI (original source unavailable). Read the publisher's report for the complete source context.
Original source link unavailable · Source: NewsAPI (original source unavailable)