Tyla Laura Seethal, better known as Tyla, emerged as a notable figure in the music industry with her captivating blend of pop and amapiano styles. Born on January 30, 2002, in Edenvale, East Rand, she grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, amidst a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Her diverse heritage, including Indian, Zulu, Irish, and Mauritian roots, adds depth to her artistic expression.
Tyla
| Born |
Tyla Laura Seethal
30 January 2002 Edenvale, Gauteng, South Africa
|
|---|---|
| Nationality | South African |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Years active | 2019–present |
| Awards | Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance (2024) |
| Musical career | |
| Genres |
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| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels |
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Raised in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, Tyla’s passion for music ignited early on. While attending Edenglen High School, where she served as the head of culture in her final year, she began sharing her musical talents on Instagram. These posts caught the attention of industry insiders, leading to her discovery by her first manager, Garth von Glehn. Under his guidance, Tyla embarked on her journey into the world of music, spending weekends in recording studios during her senior year of high school.
Early life
In 2019, Tyla made her mark with her debut single, “Getting Late,” featuring Kooldrink. The track gained significant traction domestically, setting the stage for her meteoric rise. In 2021, she inked a deal with Epic Records, signaling her transition to the global stage.
However, it was her 2023 release, “Water,” that propelled Tyla to international fame. The song’s infectious rhythm and soulful lyrics resonated with audiences worldwide, earning her accolades and recognition. Notably, “Water” became the first South African soloist’s song to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in over five decades, marking a historic moment in her career.
Tyla’s achievements continued to soar with the release of her self-titled debut album in 2024. Garnering critical acclaim and moderate commercial success, the album solidified her position as a rising star in the music industry.
Despite her rapid ascent to stardom, Tyla remains grounded, embracing her identity as a young African artist. Her dedication to her craft and unwavering passion for music have earned her numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance.
As she continues to captivate audiences with her distinctive sound and magnetic stage presence, Tyla’s journey as the “queen of popiano” unfolds, leaving an indelible mark on the global music landscape.
Career
2019–2022: “Getting Late” and National Success
Tyla embarked on her music career in late 2019 after completing high school, self-releasing her debut single “Getting Late,” featuring production from Kooldrink. The track garnered significant attention nationally, setting the stage for her ascent in the industry. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Tyla’s manager captured moments intermittently, culminating in the release of the music video in January 2021. The video quickly amassed millions of views on YouTube and earned a nomination for the South African Music Award for Best Music Video in 2022.
Tyla in 2021
While pursuing a degree in mining engineering, Tyla’s passion for music led her to take a leap of faith with the support of her parents, who agreed to her taking a year off from university to focus on her music career. This pivotal decision led to her signing a recording contract with Epic Records through a joint venture with Fax Records in May 2021. Following her debut single, Tyla continued to make waves with subsequent releases, including “Overdue” in October 2021 and “To Last” in November 2022.
2023–Present: International Breakthrough with “Water”
Tyla’s career reached new heights in 2023 with her international breakthrough single “Water.” Her first public performance at the Dolce & Gabbana afterparty during Milan Fashion Week marked the beginning of her global recognition. The release of “Been Thinking” further solidified her presence, earning chart placements and critical acclaim. Joining Chris Brown as the opening act for his Under the Influence Tour expanded her reach, leading to collaborations with artists like Nigerian singer Ayra Starr on “Girl Next Door.”
In July 2023, “Water” took the world by storm, becoming a viral sensation and reaching the top 10 in multiple countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Tyla’s performance of “Water” on notable platforms like The Bianca Show and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon further propelled her into the spotlight. Her participation in the remix of Summer Walker’s “Girls Need Love” showcased her versatility.
Tyla’s announcement of her debut studio album, “Tyla” (2024), in December 2023 generated anticipation, with promotional singles like “Truth or Dare,” “On and On,” and “Butterflies” teasing her upcoming project. The album’s release in March 2024 received widespread critical acclaim, solidifying Tyla’s position as a rising star in the music industry. Her achievements were further highlighted by her historic win at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, where she became the youngest-ever African artist to win the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance with “Water.”
Tyla’s debut album, “Tyla,” achieved notable success, reaching the top 25 in various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, and Switzerland. Her impact was recognized with numerous nominations at prestigious award ceremonies, including the Metro FM Music Awards, where she received the most nods.
Artistry
Tyla’s musical style blends elements of pop and amapiano, earning her the title of the “queen of popiano.” Influenced by artists like Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, Rihanna, and Drake, she aspires to become the first global pop star from Africa.
Discography
Studio Album:
- Tyla (Released: 22 March 2024)
- Label: Fax, Epic
- Formats: CD, digital download, streaming, vinyl
Singles:
- As Lead Artist:
- “Getting Late” (featuring Kooldrink) – 2019
- “Overdue” (featuring DJ Lag and Kooldrink) – 2021
- “Been Thinking” – 2023
- “Girl Next Door” (featuring Ayra Starr)
- “Water”
- Certifications: ARIA: 2× Platinum, BPI: Platinum, GLF: Gold, MC: 2× Platinum, RIAA: 2× Platinum, RMNZ: 2× Platinum
- “Truth or Dare” – 2024
- “Art”
- As Featured Artist:
- “Thata Ahh” (ShaunMusiq, Ftears, and DJ Maphorisa featuring Young Stunna, Madumane, and Tyla) – 2022
- “Ke Shy” (Major Lazer and Major League DJz featuring Tyla, Luudadeejay, and Yumbs) – 2023
- “Bana Ba” (Daliwonga featuring ShaunMusiq, Ftears, Tyla, and TitoM)
Promotional Singles:
- “To Last” – 2022
- “On and On” – 2023
- “Butterflies”
Other Charted Songs:
- “Safer” – 2024
- “No. 1” (featuring Tems)
- “Breathe Me”
- “Jump” (with Gunna and Skillibeng)
- “On My Body” (featuring Becky G)
- “Priorities”
Guest Appearances:
- “Ngowam” (Kelvin Momo) – 2022
- “Girls Need Love (Girls Mix)” (Summer Walker) – 2023
Tours:
- Headlining: Tyla Tour (2024)
- Supporting: Under the Influence Tour (for Chris Brown) (2023)
Supporting
- Under the Influence Tour (for Chris Brown) (2023)
Awards and Nominations
Among her accolades, Tyla has won the African Entertainment Awards USA for Best Female Artist (2023) and received nominations for prestigious awards such as the Grammy Awards, BRIT Awards, and MOBO Awards. She has been recognized for her impact on the global music scene, winning the Cultural and Creative Industry Awards for Best International Act and receiving the Global Icon Award at the Metro FM Music Awards.
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