Trailblazing South African Songstress Tyla: From TikTok Stardom to Global Fame

Tyla, boasting 4.3 million Instagram followers, known as the Tygers, is gradually acclimating to her newfound fame. Recently, she encountered TikTok provocateur Harry Daniels, who serenaded her with her hit single “Water” and doused himself in water, prompting laughter from Tyla. Currently in Los Angeles promoting her debut album, she reflects on her journey. At just 22, Tyla has already clinched a Grammy for “Water,” winning in the newly established Best African Music Performance category. She’s graced Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show stage and seen “Water” top charts in over 30 countries—a rare feat for South African musicians.

“Water” blends R&B, pop, and amapiano, a South African genre blending house, kwaito, Zulu rhythms, and jazz. Its infectious choreography sparked numerous TikTok challenges, propelling Tyla to global stardom. Breaking into the US charts, she became the first South African solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100 in over five decades. Tyla sees herself as a pioneer, paving the way for South African music on the world stage.

Born Tyla Laura Seethal in Johannesburg in 2002, she grew up idolizing artists like Aaliyah, Rihanna, and Adele. Determined to pursue music, she flooded social media with singing videos. Despite her digital hustle, her debut single “Getting Late” garnered attention in 2019, leading to a global deal with Epic Records. Collaborating with veteran hitmaker Tricky Stewart, they birthed “Water,” setting her on a meteoric rise.

Her self-titled debut album, a two-year labor of love, features collaborations with international stars like Nigeria’s Tems, Gunna, Skillibeng, and Becky G. Despite setbacks, like a recent undisclosed injury forcing a tour postponement, Tyla remains undeterred. Dance is integral to her performances, reflecting her African roots, but she sees this setback as an opportunity for artistic exploration.

As the face of South Africa’s burgeoning music scene, Tyla embraces her role as a trailblazer. “This is just the beginning,” she enthuses. “We’re finally living the dreams we’ve envisioned for years. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.”