Tyla

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|

South African singer (born 2002)

For other uses, see Tyla (disambiguation).

Tyla

Tyla in 2024

Born|

Tyla Laura Seethal

(2002-01-30) 30 January 2002 (age 22)

Edenvale, Gauteng, South Africa

Occupations|

* Singer
* songwriter

Years active| 2019–present
Works| Discography
Awards| Full list
Musical career
Genres|

* Amapiano[1]
* R&B[2]
* pop[3]

Instruments| Vocals
Labels|

* Fax
* Epic

Website| tylaworld.com

Musical artist

Tyla Laura Seethal (born 30 January 2002), known mononymously as Tyla, is a South African singer and songwriter. She's become synonymous with the popularization of popiano, a fusion of the pop and amapiano genres, with many publications dubbing her "Queen of Popiano."

Born and raised in Johannesburg, Tyla signed with Epic Records in 2021 following the domestic success of her 2019 debut single, "Getting Late". She gained international recognition after the release of her 2023 single "Water", which entered the top ten in multiple countries including her native South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. "Water" was the first song by a South African soloist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years and was awarded the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance. The single preceded her self-titled debut album (2024), which was released to critical acclaim and moderate commercial success, entering the top 25 in multiple countries including the United States.

Tyla's accolades include a Grammy Award, a MTV Video Music Award, two BET Awards, three Basadi in Music Awards and a Metro FM Music Award. She became the youngest African artist in history to win a Grammy Award. Tyla has also received nominations for a Brit Award, a Ivor Novello Award, a Soul Train Music Award, three iHeartRadio Music Awards, three Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, a MOBO Award, and four South African Music Awards.

## Early life

[edit]

Tyla Laura Seethal[4] was born on 30 January 2002 in Edenvale, East Rand,[5][6] to a Coloured family with Indian,[7][8] Mauritian, Zulu, and Irish ancestry.[9][10][11] She grew up in Johannesburg, Gauteng,[12] and graduated from Edenglen High School in 2019, where she was the Head of Culture.[13]

During her final year of high school, she began pursuing a career in music, posting original songs and covers on Instagram and actively seeking out opportunities in the music industry. She was discovered by her first manager, Garth von Glehn, who organized her first recording sessions.[2][14] Tyla stated that she spent every weekend of her final year of high school in the recording studio.[15]

## Career

[edit]

### 2019–2022: "Getting Late" and national success

[edit]

Tyla in an interview with Capital FM Kenya in 2021

In late 2019 after finishing high school,[7] Tyla self-released her debut single, "Getting Late" featuring production from Kooldrink, which achieved national success.[10] Filmed by her own manager intermittently throughout the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns,[14] the accompanying music video was released in January 2021.[16] It amassed several million views on YouTube,[17] and was nominated for South African Music Award for Best Music Video of the Year in 2022.[18]

She had been studying towards a degree in mining engineering,[19] and after much persuasion and "a lot of crying", her parents had agreed to let Tyla take a year off university to attempt to lift her music career off the ground.[15] She then signed a recording contract with Epic Records through a joint venture with Fax Records in the United States in May 2021.[20][21] She followed up her debut single with the singles "Overdue" in October 2021 and "To Last" in November 2022.[22][23]

### 2023–present: International breakthrough with "Water"

[edit]

See also: Water (Tyla song) and Tyla (album)

Tyla's first public performance occurred in 2023 during the Dolce & Gabbana afterparty at Milan Fashion Week,[24][10] following the release of her single "Been Thinking",[25][26] which earned Tyla her first chart placements of her career, on the Billboard Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Rhythmic Airplay charts.[27][28] Heven Haile of Pitchfork described it as a "slick club anthem that channels the seductive pop-R&B hits of mid-2000s Ciara and Rihanna".[29] Tyla then joined Chris Brown as the opening act for his Under the Influence Tour.[30] In May 2023, she released the single "Girl Next Door", featuring Nigerian singer Ayra Starr.[31]

She released the song "Water" in July 2023 as the lead single from her upcoming self-titled debut studio album.[32][10] After spawning a viral dance challenge on the social media platform TikTok,[33][34] "Water" peaked within the top 10 in multiple countries including South Africa,[35] the United States,[36] and the United Kingdom.[37] Tyla became the first and youngest-ever South African soloist in 55 years to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 with "Water", following Hugh Masekela's "Grazing in the Grass" in 1968.[38]

Tyla performed "Water" live on The Bianca Show in Sweden and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in the United States.[39][40] The music video for "Water" was released on 6 October 2023, it accumulated 3 million views on YouTube in three days.[41] Tyla was then featured on a remix version of "Girls Need Love" by Summer Walker, released as part of the latter's Girls Mix extended play in October 2023.[42] On the eve of December 2023, she announced the release of her debut studio album, Tyla (2024), and simultaneously released three songs: "Truth or Dare", "On and On", and "Butterflies", as promotional singles from the project on an extended play of the same name.[43] Tyla performed a medley of "Water" and "Truth or Dare" on the season 24 finale of The Voice on 19 December 2023.[44] At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2024, Tyla became the first person to win the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance with "Water", also becoming the youngest-ever African artist to win a Grammy Award.[45]

Tyla at the 2024 Met Gala

Tyla's self-titled debut album was officially released via Fax and Epic Records on 22 March 2024.[46] The single "Art" and its accompanying music video were released in tandem with the album.[47] Tyla received widespread critical acclaim,[48] and was a top-25 album in the United States,[49] the United Kingdom,[37] the Netherlands,[50] Norway,[51] New Zealand,[52] and Switzerland.[53] Tyla received the most nominations at the 18th Metro FM Music Awards in South Africa, with six nods.[54][55] She went on to win the most awards at the 2024 BET Awards, tying with Usher and Victoria Monét at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California,[56] where she delivered a live performance of "Jump" for the first time alongside Gunna and Skillibeng.[57]

## Artistry

[edit]

> "When I was a kid, I always hoped that a pop star like Rihanna, Britney Spears or Michael Jackson would come out of South Africa. I wanted a star to come from my hometown. Now, for the people of my hometown, I want to be a pop star who represents South Africa"

Tyla talking to Rolling Stone on 19 January 2024.[58]

Tyla's biggest musical influences include Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, Rihanna,[59] Cassie, Ciara,[60] Shakira, Freshlyground,[10] Britney Spears,[61] Drake and Wizkid.[62] She has said that her dream is to become the first global pop star from Africa.[63][14] She has since been deemed the "Queen of Popiano",[12][64] a fusion of the pop and amapiano genres,[65] infused with elements of R&B and Afrobeats.[66]

## Discography

[edit]

Main article: Tyla discography

* Tyla (2024)

## Tours

[edit]

Headling

* Tyla Tour (2024)

Supporting

* Under the Influence Tour (for Chris Brown) (2023)

## Awards and nominations

[edit]

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Tyla

## See also

[edit]

* List of South African Grammy Award winners and nominees

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Tyla Features In Our Autumn/Fall 2023 Issue". Wonderland. 16 October 2023. Archived from the original on 20 November 2023. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
2. ^ a b Dunn, Frankie (3 April 2021). "Tyla is on a mission to become South Africa's biggest popstar". i-D. Vice. Archived from the original on 14 August 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
3. ^ Campbell, Erica (8 March 2023). "Tyla: "I really want eyes on all African artists, because we need more attention"". NME. Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
4. ^ Birjalal, Alyssia (11 June 2024). "From music to fashion, Tyla is making major moves as she builds her brand". Independent Online. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
5. ^ Zwane-Ejike, Nokuthula (12 January 2024). "A Grammy nod, big collaborations and a new album on the way – singer Tyla is unstoppable!". You. Archived from the original on 28 March 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2024 - via Media24.
6. ^ Tjiya, Emmanuel (9 June 2023). "Tyla: The girl next door". The Sowetan. OCLC 28688177. Archived from the original on 28 March 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
7. ^ a b Kelly, Jade (1 March 2021). "The Year of Tyla". Breakroom Africa. Archived from the original on 14 April 2022. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
8. ^ Ho Hip, Chanté (21 November 2023). "Why Tyla's global success means South Africa has to explain being coloured again". 947. Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
9. ^ "Biography: TYLA". FAX Records (Epic). United States: Sony Music Entertainment. Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
10. ^ a b c d e Kawalik, Tracy (20 September 2023). "Tyla: 'I'm a rock-star Barbie doll'". Rolling Stone (UK). Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
11. ^ Murray, Robin (7 November 2022). "Track Of The Day 7/11 - Tyla". Clash. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
12. ^ a b Gyre, S'bo (11 February 2024). "The magic behind the meteoric rise of Tyla, Grammy award winner and Queen of Popiano". Daily Maverick. Archived from the original on 23 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
13. ^ Frans, Karien (3 March 2021). "Former Edenglen High learners releases music video". AWSUM School News. Archived from the original on 3 March 2021. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
14. ^ a b c Mamo, Heran (31 October 2023). "From a 'Normal Girl in South Africa' to a Rising 'Popiano' Star, Tyla is Making Major Waves with 'Water'". Billboard. Archived from the original on 1 November 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
15. ^ a b Savage, Mark (2 January 2024). "BBC Sound of 2024: South Africa's Tyla says 'people are not ready' for debut album". BBC News. Archived from the original on 9 February 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
16. ^ Alston, Trey (28 January 2021). "Tyla and Kooldrink Live Out a Fairy Tale in 'Getting Late'". Paper. Archived from the original on 1 November 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
17. ^ Lane, Barnaby (27 October 2023). "11 things to know about Tyla, the South African singer whose song 'Water' is climbing the Billboard charts". Insider. Archived from the original on 27 January 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
18. ^ Shumba, Ano (7 June 2022). "South African Music Awards 2022: All the nominees". Music Africa. Archived from the original on 24 April 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
19. ^ "Get to know Tyla, South Africa's latest starlet". The NATIVE. 25 March 2021. Archived from the original on 31 October 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
20. ^ Canham, Tamlyn (26 May 2021). "'Getting Late' singer Tyla bags global record deal". East Coast Radio. Archived from the original on 27 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
21. ^ Coetzee, Nikita (26 May 2021). "SA star Tyla signs international deal". News24. Archived from the original on 13 February 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
22. ^ Rashed, Ayana (7 October 2021). "Tyla Releases New Visual For "Overdue" Featuring DJ Lag & Kooldrink Out Now". Respect. Archived from the original on 29 April 2023. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
23. ^ Keila (6 November 2022). "Tyla Kicks Off With a Impressive New Single "To Last"". Out Now. Archived from the original on 24 April 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
24. ^ "Who is Tyla? The South African beauty has a bright future ahead". Glamour (SA). 1 March 2023. Archived from the original on 5 August 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
25. ^ Victoria, Kenyatta (3 March 2023). "Tyla Shares The Story Behind Her Viral Hit "Been Thinking"". Essence. Archived from the original on 24 April 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
26. ^ "Lil Yachty, Rae Sremmurd and All the Songs You Need to Know". Rolling Stone. 27 January 2023. Archived from the original on 24 April 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
27. ^ Zellner, Xander (10 October 2023). "Hot 100 First-Timers: Tyla Makes Splash With Viral R&B Hit 'Water'". Billboard. Archived from the original on 1 November 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
28. ^ "Tyla Chart History (Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Archived from the original on 10 April 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
29. ^ Haile, Heven (9 February 2023). "Track Review: Tyla - "Been Thinking"". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 14 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
30. ^ "Tyla to support Chris Brown on massive UK & Europe tour". Hype Magazine. 14 February 2023. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
31. ^ Pierre, Alphonse (11 May 2023). "Listen to Tyla and Ayra Starr's New Song "Girl Next Door"". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
32. ^ Gibson, Donte (1 August 2023). "Tyla Aims To Quench Our Thirst With 'Water'". Soul Bounce. Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
33. ^ Iahn, Buddy (11 September 2023). "Tyla solidifies rising star status with viral hit 'Water'". The Music Universe. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
34. ^ Mendez II, Moises (6 October 2023). "Tyla's "Water" is Making Waves on TikTok". TIME. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
35. ^ Peak chart positions in South Africa:
* All except where noted: "Tyla's debut soars and Future and Metro Boomin reunite (Ed 129)". The Official South African Charts. 4 April 2024. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
* "Water": "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 10 Week 47-2023". The Official South African Charts. Archived from the original on 8 December 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
36. ^ "Tyla Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Archived from the original on 10 April 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
37. ^ a b "Tyla | Official Charts". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 20 October 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
38. ^ Aradi, Gloria (10 October 2023). "South Africa's Tyla makes historic Billboard Hot 100 debut with Water". BBC News. Archived from the original on 10 October 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
39. ^ Ontong, Joel (9 October 2023). "Tyla has her first TV interview in Sweden and talks about her 'song of the summer'". News24. Archived from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
40. ^ Ontong, Joel (25 October 2023). "Tyla makes US TV debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon". News24. Archived from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
41. ^ Darangwa, Shingai (9 October 2023). "Tyla clocks 3 million views in 3 days, breaks all-time Spotify listeners record". iOL. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
42. ^ Bowenbank, Starr (16 October 2023). "Summer Walker Enlists Victoria Monet, Tyla & Tink for 'Girls Need Love (Girls Mix)' EP". Billboard. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
43. ^ Williams, Aaron (30 November 2023). "Tyla Announced Her Self-Titled Debut Album By Revealing Three New Songs From Its Tracklist". Uproxx. Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
44. ^ Weiss, Josh (18 December 2023). "Who Is Tyla? What to Know About the Singer Performing on The Voice Season 24 Finale". NBC. Archived from the original on 20 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
45. ^ Retief, Chanel (5 February 2024). "South African Singer Tyla Wins Her First Grammy, Making Her The Youngest From Africa To Hold The Gong". Forbes Africa. Archived from the original on 5 February 2024. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
46. ^ Mamo, Heran (22 March 2024). "Tyla Drops Self-Titled Debut Album: Stream It Now". Billboard. Archived from the original on 22 March 2024. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
47. ^ Moloi, Atlehang (22 March 2024). "Tyla Drops Highly Anticipated Debut Album, 'TYLA'". Silk on Our Life. Archived from the original on 22 March 2024. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
48. ^ "Tyla by Tyla Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 23 March 2024. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
49. ^ "Tyla Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Archived from the original on 10 April 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
50. ^ "Discography Tyla". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 31 March 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
51. ^ "Album 2024 uke 13". VG-lista. Archived from the original on 30 March 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
52. ^ "NZ Top 40 Albums Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 1 April 2024. Archived from the original on 29 March 2024. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
53. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Tyla – Tyla". Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 31 March 2024. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
54. ^ Keteyi, Oluthando (28 March 2024). "Tyla leads Metro FM Awards nominations followed by Kabza De Small and Tyler ICU". iOL. Archived from the original on 28 March 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
55. ^ Maako, Compiled by Keitumetse. "From Grammy-winning Tyla to record-setting duo TitoM & Yuppe: Metro FM Music Awards nominees 2024". Life. Archived from the original on 18 May 2024. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
56. ^ Grein, Paul (1 July 2024). "Usher, Tyla & More Record Setters at 2024 BET Awards". Billboard. Archived from the original on 23 July 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
57. ^ Kupemba, Danai Nesta (1 July 2024). "Tyla wins big as South African artists triumph at BET Awards". BBC. Archived from the original on 23 July 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
58. ^ Mier, Tomas; Woldenberg, Ilana (19 January 2024). "Amapiano's rising star, Tyla, talks about the behind-the-scenes story of the creation of one of the biggest hits of 2023, "Water"". Rolling Stone Japan. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
59. ^ Rubenstein, Janine (8 November 2023). "Tyla, Singer of Viral Hit 'Water,' Says Her DMs Are 'Always Active' (Exclusive)". People. Archived from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
60. ^ "INCREDIBLE WOMEN OF 2024: GRAMMY-WINNING ARTIST TYLA". Net-a-Porter. YOOX Net-a-Porter Group. 18 March 2024. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024. Retrieved 10 June 2024. "Much like her musical influences, her personal style references the seductive club culture of the early aughts with clear nods to Rihanna, Cassie and Ciara in the genesis of their careers."
61. ^ Garcia, Thania (1 December 2023). "Tyla Talks Grammy Nom for 'Water' and Her Upcoming, 'Experimental' Debut Album". Variety. Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
62. ^ Itodo, Sunny Green (28 November 2023). "'Wizkid on the same level as Michael Jackson, Drake, Rihanna' - Tyla". Daily Post. Archived from the original on 15 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
63. ^ Caraballo, Ecleen Luzmila (5 December 2023). "Bubbling: Tyla, South African Pop Star Who Dares to Stay True". Complex. Archived from the original on 12 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
64. ^ Griffin, Marc (1 July 2024). "Tyla Delivers Sultry Rendition Of "Jump" At 2024 BET Awards Performance". Vibe. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
65. ^ Phillips, Lior (25 March 2023). "'It's sunny, with music bumping, and everyone in ripped clothing': how Tyla set a new pop mood". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 9 August 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
66. ^ Martins, Lucas (26 March 2024). "ALBUM REVIEW: TYLA – TYLA". Beats Per Minute. Retrieved 15 August 2024.

## External links

[edit]

Tyla at Wikipedia's sister projects

* Media from Commons
* Data from Wikidata

* Official website
* Tyla on Instagram
* Tyla discography at MusicBrainz

* v
* t
* e

Tyla

* Discography
* Awards and nominations

Studio albums|

* Tyla (2024)

Singles|

* "Been Thinking"
* "Girl Next Door"
* "Water"
* "Truth or Dare"
* "Art"
* "Jump"

Promotional singles|

* "On and On"

Featured songs|

"Girls Need Love (Girl Mix)"

Concert tours|

* Tyla Tour

* Category

Awards for Tyla

* v
* t
* e

BET Award for Best International Act

* Davido (2018)
* Burna Boy (2019)
* Burna Boy (2020)
* Burna Boy (2021)
* Tems (2022)
* Burna Boy (2023)
* Tyla (2024)

* v
* t
* e

BET Award for Best New Artist

* Nelly (2001)
* Alicia Keys (2002)
* 50 Cent (2003)
* Kanye West (2004)
* John Legend (2005)
* Chris Brown (2006)
* Jennifer Hudson (2007)
* The-Dream (2008)
* Keri Hilson (2009)
* Nicki Minaj (2010)
* Wiz Khalifa (2011)
* Big Sean (2012)
* Kendrick Lamar (2013)
* August Alsina (2014)
* Sam Smith (2015)
* Bryson Tiller (2016)
* Chance the Rapper (2017)
* SZA (2018)
* Lil Baby (2019)
* Roddy Ricch (2020)
* Giveon (2021)
* Latto (2022)
* Coco Jones (2023)
* Tyla (2024)

* v
* t
* e

MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video

* Rema and Selena Gomez – "Calm Down" (2023)
* Tyla – "Water" (2024)

Portals:

* Biography
* South Africa
* Music

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* ISNI

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* MusicBrainz

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