Tyla Laura Seethal, known professionally as Tyla, has rapidly emerged as a prominent figure in the global music industry. Born on January 30, 2002, in Johannesburg, South Africa, she began her musical journey by sharing original songs and covers on social media platforms, capturing the attention of industry professionals. Her unique blend of pop, R&B, and amapiano—a genre originating from South Africa—has distinguished her in a competitive landscape.

Tyla’s impact extends beyond her home country, marking significant milestones on international charts. Her 2023 single “Water” achieved remarkable success, entering the top ten in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. Notably, she became the first South African soloist in 55 years to enter the US Billboard Hot 100, with “Water” reaching the 67th position.

Her accomplishments have not only spotlighted her talent but have also brought global attention to South African music genres. By integrating amapiano elements into mainstream music, Tyla has played a pivotal role in introducing this distinctive sound to a worldwide audience, thereby influencing the international music scene and paving the way for other African artists.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Tyla Laura Seethal, known professionally as Tyla, was born on 30 January 2002 in Edenvale, Gauteng, South Africa. She hails from a diverse cultural background, with Indian, Indo-Mauritian, Zulu, and Irish ancestry. Growing up in Johannesburg, Tyla was immersed in a rich tapestry of musical influences that shaped her eclectic sound. Artists like Michael Jackson and Rihanna played pivotal roles in her artistic development, inspiring her to blend genres such as pop, R&B, Afrobeats, and Amapiano—a South African genre characterized by deep house rhythms and jazz elements. ​

During her final year at Edenglen High School in 2019, where she served as the Head of Culture, Tyla actively pursued her passion for music. She began by posting original songs and cover versions on Instagram, showcasing her vocal prowess and unique style. This proactive approach led to her discovery by her first manager, Garth von Glehn, who facilitated her initial recording sessions. Tyla dedicated her weekends to studio work, honing her craft and developing the sound that would later captivate audiences both locally and internationally. ​

Tyla’s early immersion in Johannesburg’s vibrant music scene, combined with her diverse heritage and dedication to her craft, laid a solid foundation for her burgeoning career. Her ability to seamlessly fuse various musical styles reflects the multicultural influences of her upbringing, positioning her as a versatile artist capable of resonating with a global audience.

Breakthrough with “Getting Late”

In late 2019, Tyla released her debut single, “Getting Late,” featuring producer Kooldrink. The track seamlessly blended elements of amapiano—a South African genre characterized by deep house rhythms and jazz influences—with pop and R&B, showcasing Tyla’s versatility and innovative approach to music. ​

The accompanying music video, released in January 2021, quickly gained traction, amassing several million views on YouTube. Its success was further amplified by a viral dance challenge on TikTok, which garnered over 10.8 million likes by May 2021, propelling Tyla into the national spotlight.

This surge in popularity led to a nomination for Music Video of the Year at the 28th South African Music Awards in 2022, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.

International Recognition with “Water”

In July 2023, Tyla released “Water,” a track that seamlessly blended amapiano with pop and R&B elements. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy melody quickly resonated with audiences, leading to a viral dance challenge on TikTok. This challenge, choreographed by South African dancer Lee-ché “Litchi” Janecke, involved hip movements synchronized with the song’s chorus, culminating in participants pouring water down their backs. The trend gained immense popularity, amassing over 600,000 user-generated videos and significantly boosting the song’s global reach. ​

The widespread social media engagement translated into impressive chart performances. “Water” debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at position 67 in October 2023, making Tyla the first South African soloist in 55 years to enter this chart since Hugh Masekela’s “Grazing in the Grass” in 1968. The song continued its ascent, reaching number seven by January 2024, thereby establishing Tyla as the highest-charting African female solo artist in the Hot 100’s history. Internationally, “Water” secured top ten positions in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, underscoring its global appeal.

The track’s success culminated in Tyla winning the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2024. This accolade not only marked a significant personal achievement but also highlighted the growing recognition of African music on the world stage. “Water” received multi-platinum certifications in several countries, including a diamond certification in Brazil, reflecting its widespread commercial success and cultural impact.

Debut Album and Musical Style

In March 2024, Tyla released her self-titled debut album, “Tyla,” marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. The album showcases her distinctive “popiano” sound—a fusion of pop, R&B, amapiano, and Afrobeats—that has captivated audiences worldwide. Tracks like “Water” and “Truth or Dare” exemplify this blend, seamlessly integrating South African musical elements with mainstream pop sensibilities. ​

The album received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and Tyla’s vocal versatility. It was featured in Pitchfork’s “50 Best Albums of 2024,” highlighting its impact on the global music scene. Commercially, “Tyla” achieved impressive streaming milestones, amassing over 1.5 billion streams across various platforms, underscoring her widespread appeal. ​

Tyla’s ability to blend diverse genres has not only set her apart from her contemporaries but also positioned her as a leading figure in bringing South African music to a global audience. Her innovative approach has earned her accolades, including multiple awards at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2024, where she won Best R&B, Best African Act, and Best Afrobeats. ​

Fashion Influence and Public Image

Tyla’s impact extends beyond music into the fashion industry, where she has rapidly emerged as a style icon. Her distinctive fashion sense has been highlighted in major publications, including a feature on the cover of British Vogue’s March 2025 issue. In this feature, she discussed her passion for fashion and how it complements her musical persona.​

Her collaborations with high-profile fashion brands have further cemented her status in the fashion world. Notably, she partnered with Dolce & Gabbana for a performance at their afterparty during Milan Fashion Week in February 2023, marking her initial foray into high fashion events. Additionally, Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director, invited her to perform at the Prelude to the Paris Olympics at Fondation Louis Vuitton, showcasing her growing influence in fashion circles.

Tyla’s bold and innovative style choices have garnered widespread attention. At the Jacquemus Menswear Fall-Winter 2025/2026 show during Paris Fashion Week, she donned a daring high-neck gown with side cutouts, exemplifying her fearless approach to fashion. Her ability to blend traditional elegance with contemporary edginess has solidified her reputation as a rising fashion icon, inspiring fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Tyla’s meteoric rise in the music industry is underscored by numerous prestigious awards and nominations. At the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards, she secured three significant accolades: Best R&B, Best Afrobeats, and Best African Act, highlighting her versatility and impact on the global stage. ​

Her groundbreaking achievements continued at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, where she won the inaugural Best African Music Performance award, becoming the youngest African soloist to receive a Grammy.

In her native South Africa, Tyla’s influence was further recognized at the 30th Annual South African Music Awards, where she received multiple honors, including Female Artist of the Year and Best Pop Album.

These accolades reflect Tyla’s exceptional talent and her significant contributions to both African and global music landscapes.

Impact on South African Music and Global Reach

Tyla’s emergence has significantly elevated South African music on the international stage. Her fusion of pop, R&B, Afrobeats, and amapiano—dubbed “popiano”—has introduced global audiences to South Africa’s rich musical landscape. The viral success of her 2023 single “Water,” which amassed over 10 billion views on TikTok, exemplifies this crossover appeal.

By achieving such milestones, Tyla has become an inspiration for aspiring African artists, demonstrating that local sounds can achieve global recognition. Her accomplishments underscore the potential for African genres to influence mainstream music worldwide. ​

Furthermore, Tyla’s success has contributed to the global popularity of amapiano, a genre characterized by deep house rhythms and jazz elements. Her innovative approach has not only broadened the genre’s reach but also solidified its place in the global music scene.

Future Prospects

Tyla’s trajectory in the music industry indicates a promising future, marked by upcoming tours, new musical projects, and high-profile collaborations.​

Upcoming Tours and Musical Projects

After the release of her self-titled debut album in March 2024, Tyla announced “The Tyla Tour,” initially set to begin on 21 March 2024, in Oslo and conclude on 28 May 2024, in Minneapolis. However, due to an undisclosed injury, the North American leg was canceled, and European dates were postponed. The tour eventually commenced in Cape Town, South Africa, on 5 December 2024, with subsequent performances in Pretoria. ​

Potential Collaborations with International Artists

Tyla has already collaborated with notable international artists, enhancing her global appeal. In March 2024, she released “Jump,” featuring American rapper Gunna and Jamaican artist Skillibeng, blending diverse musical styles. Additionally, in March 2025, she unveiled a remix of “PUSH 2 START” with Jamaican dancehall icon Sean Paul, accompanied by a nostalgic 2000s-themed music video. These collaborations suggest a continued trend of partnering with international talents, potentially leading to more genre-crossing projects.​

Anticipated Influence on the Future Landscape of Global Music

Tyla’s innovative fusion of pop, R&B, Afrobeats, and amapiano has not only garnered critical acclaim but also set new trends in the global music scene. Her success has opened doors for African genres on international platforms, inspiring a new generation of artists. As she continues to evolve artistically and collaborate across genres, Tyla is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future soundscape of global music.