Tyla: A Rising Star in the World of Popiano

Tyla Laura Seethal, widely known as Tyla, has swiftly become a household name in the music industry, captivating audiences worldwide with her soulful voice and infectious melodies. Born on January 30, 2002, in Edenvale, East Rand, Tyla’s journey to stardom began in Johannesburg, where she was raised in a diverse and culturally rich environment.

Tyla

From a young age, Tyla exhibited a passion for music, drawing inspiration from her eclectic heritage, which includes Indian, Zulu, Irish, and Mauritian roots. Despite her multicultural background, Tyla embraced her identity as a Coloured artist, proudly representing her community on the global stage.

Tyla’s ascent to fame accelerated with the release of her debut single, “Getting Late,” featuring Kooldrink, in 2019. The song’s domestic success caught the attention of Epic Records, leading to Tyla signing with the renowned label in 2021.

However, it was her 2023 single, “Water,” that catapulted Tyla to international acclaim. The song’s mesmerizing blend of pop and amapiano resonated with audiences worldwide, earning Tyla a spot in the top ten charts of sixteen countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. Notably, “Water” made history as the first song by a South African soloist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in over five decades.

Tyla’s meteoric rise culminated in her self-titled debut album in 2024, receiving praise from critics and achieving moderate commercial success. Despite her young age, Tyla’s talent and artistry have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, making her the youngest African artist to win such an honor.

Beyond her musical achievements, Tyla remains grounded and connected to her roots. Raised in Johannesburg and matriculating from Edenglen High School in 2019, she embodies resilience and dedication, balancing her burgeoning music career with her education.

As the “queen of popiano,” Tyla continues to push boundaries and redefine genres, captivating audiences with her unique sound and unwavering authenticity. With her star on the rise, Tyla Seethal stands poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of music for years to come.

Career

2019–2022: “Getting Late” and National Success

In the latter part of 2019, right after completing high school, Tyla, on her own initiative, released her debut single, “Getting Late,” which featured production from Kooldrink. The track quickly gained traction nationwide, marking the beginning of Tyla’s musical journey. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, Tyla, with the help of her manager, managed to film the music video for “Getting Late,” which premiered in January 2021. The video garnered millions of views on YouTube and earned a nomination for the South African Music Award for Best Music Video of the Year in 2022.

Tyla in 2021

Despite pursuing a degree in mining engineering, Tyla’s passion for music persuaded her parents to allow her to take a break from university to focus on her music career. Seizing this opportunity, Tyla signed a recording contract with Epic Records in collaboration with Fax Records in the United States in May 2021. Following her debut single’s success, Tyla released two more singles, “Overdue” in October 2021 and “To Last” in November 2022, further solidifying her presence in the music industry.

2023–present: International Breakthrough with “Water”

Tyla’s breakthrough on the international stage came in 2023 with the release of her single “Been Thinking,” which set the stage for her subsequent rise to fame. This was followed by her performance at the Dolce & Gabbana afterparty during Milan Fashion Week, where she made her mark as an emerging artist.

The release of “Water” in July 2023 marked a turning point in Tyla’s career. The song’s infectious rhythm and captivating melody captivated audiences worldwide, propelling it to the top of the charts in multiple countries. Tyla’s mesmerizing performance of “Water” on renowned television shows such as The Bianca Show and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon further solidified her status as a rising star.

Tyla’s self-titled debut album, released in March 2024, received widespread acclaim and achieved commercial success, reaching the top 25 in several countries. The album’s lead single, “Art,” accompanied by a visually stunning music video, showcased Tyla’s artistic versatility and cemented her position as one of the most promising talents in the music industry.

Songs

Here are some notable songs by Tyla:

1. Getting Late – Tyla’s debut single, featuring Kooldrink, which gained significant national success and marked the beginning of her musical journey.
2. Water – A breakthrough single that propelled Tyla to international fame, reaching the top ten in numerous countries and making her the first South African soloist in 55 years to enter the US Billboard Hot 100.
3. Been Thinking – A track that preceded “Water” and earned Tyla her first chart placements, setting the stage for her rise to prominence.
4. Overdue – Another single by Tyla released in October 2021, which further solidified her presence in the music industry.
5. To Last – Released in November 2022, this single showcased Tyla’s evolving style and musical prowess, garnering attention from fans and critics alike.
6. Girl Next Door – Featuring Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, this single demonstrated Tyla’s versatility and ability to collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds.
7. Art – The lead single from Tyla’s self-titled debut album, accompanied by a visually stunning music video, showcasing her artistic vision and creativity.

Awards and Recognition

Tyla’s meteoric rise culminated in her historic win at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2024, where she became the first African artist to win the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance with her hit single “Water.” This achievement not only solidified her place in music history but also made her the youngest-ever African artist to win a Grammy Award.

Additionally, Tyla’s debut album received critical acclaim and earned her multiple nominations at prestigious award ceremonies, including the Metro FM Music Awards in South Africa, where she received six nominations, further underscoring her remarkable talent and contribution to the music industry