In the pulsating world of Afrobeat music, where rhythms entwine with stories, and melodies paint vibrant pictures of culture and life, emerges a new luminary: Tyla. Hailing from the rainbow nation of South Africa, Tyla has swiftly carved her mark on the global music scene with her infectious beats, captivating vocals, and undeniable charisma.
She was born Tyla Laura Seethal in Johannesburg in 2002. She proudly expressed her diverse Heritage on her Tik Tok page saying “I am a colored South African I come from a lot of different cultures”. She spoke on her background stating she is of Indian, Zulu, maia, and Irish descent.
She grew up listening to Aaliyah, Rihanna and Adele. The young songstress burst onto the music scene with her debut single “Getting Late” in 2020. The track, a fusion of Afrobeat and Amapiano—a popular South African music genre characterized by its infectious rhythms and soulful melodies—immediately caught the attention of music enthusiasts worldwide. With its catchy chorus and hypnotic beat, “Getting Late” became an instant hit, propelling Tyla into the spotlight and setting the stage for her meteoric rise.
At 22, Tyla has already won a Grammy for Water (it netted best African music performance, a new category), and has performed it on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show, while the song charted in more than 30 countries. This level of cut-through isn’t common for South African musicians, and Tyla knows that she is blazing a trail for the country’s music scene.
22 years old Tyla has won a Grammy for ‘Water’ (best African music performance) , performed the song on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show. The song also charted in over 30 countries. Tyla is aware that she is breaking new ground for the South African music industry because this kind of cut-through is uncommon for the nation’s musicians.
“More people are starting to know about South Africa now,” she says. “They want to hear me say ‘Yoh!’ and they love the dancing.”
Tyla’s music is a reflection of her diverse influences and rich cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from her South African roots, as well as the global sounds of Afrobeat, Dancehall, and R&B, she crafts a unique sonic tapestry that resonates with audiences across borders. Her ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles while infusing her songs with authenticity and emotion is a testament to her artistry and versatility as an artist.
But it’s not just Tyla’s music that captivates audiences—it’s also her magnetic stage presence and infectious energy. Whether she’s performing live or starring in her music videos, Tyla exudes confidence and charisma, commanding attention with every move and leaving audiences spellbound. Her performances are a celebration of music, dance, and culture, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the rhythm and experience the joy of Afrobeat firsthand.
In addition to her undeniable talent as a singer and performer, Tyla is also a skilled songwriter, penning lyrics that are both relatable and thought-provoking. Her songs often explore themes of love, empowerment, and self-discovery, resonating with listeners on a deeply personal level. Whether she’s crooning about heartache and longing or celebrating life and freedom, Tyla’s lyrics are imbued with honesty and emotion, inviting listeners to connect with her on a deeper level.
“I just wanted to bring people into the Tyla world,” she says of the song’s creation. “It’s sunny, with music bumping, and everyone in ripped clothing.” Tyla advanced this mood, first with a remix of Water that featured rapper Travis Scott, and then with the follow-up single On and On, a warm R&B-inflected floorfiller on which she advises: “Let’s take it back in time/ Party like it’s ’95”.
Despite her rapid ascent to fame, Tyla remains grounded and focused on her craft. She continues to collaborate with some of the industry’s top producers and artists, pushing the boundaries of Afrobeat music and cementing her status as one of its brightest stars. With each new release, she continues to evolve as an artist, exploring new sounds and pushing herself creatively to deliver music that is fresh, innovative, and undeniably addictive.
As Tyla’s star continues to rise, she remains committed to representing her South African roots on the global stage. Through her music, she celebrates the vibrant culture and rich musical heritage of her homeland, while also embracing the diverse influences that shape her sound. In doing so, she not only pays homage to her roots but also helps to amplify the voices of artists from across Africa and beyond, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Afrobeat music to the world.
In an industry dominated by trends and fleeting fame, Tyla stands out as a beacon of authenticity and talent. With her infectious beats, soulful vocals, and magnetic stage presence, she has captured the hearts of music lovers worldwide and cemented her place as a rising star in the world of Afrobeat and Amapiano music. As she continues on her musical journey, one thing is certain: the world hasn’t seen the last of Tyla, and her star is only destined to shine brighter with time.
It took her two years to make her debut album, with the help of a few other pop stars – Nigeria’s Tems, rappers Gunna and Skillibeng and singer Becky G. “I grew and learned a lot,” Tyla says, “and I feel like I’ve opened up more. All of this is very new: seeing America, seeing Europe, working with all these different people.” She sounds an uncharacteristic note of doubt. “Even if it sounds terrible, cool, at least I tried and I know now.”
Watch Tyla perform ‘Water’ Live from The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon HERE
