Early Life and Family Background
Tyla Laura Seethal, known mononymously as Tyla, was born on January 30, 2002, in Edenvale, Gauteng, South Africa. She hails from a Colored family with a rich tapestry of Indian, Indo-Mauritian, Zulu, and Irish heritage. Growing up in Johannesburg, Tyla completed her secondary education at Edenglen High School in 2019, where she served as the Head of Culture. She has three siblings: an older sister named Whitney and a younger brother and sister, Tyrese and Sydney.
Educational Pursuits and Early Musical Endeavors
Initially, Tyla pursued a degree in mining engineering. However, her passion for music led her to take a hiatus from university during her final year, dedicating time to establish her musical career. She began by sharing original songs and covers on Instagram, which caught the attention of her first manager, Garth von Glehn. This connection led to her inaugural recording sessions, marking the beginning of her professional journey in music. She spent every weekend of her final year in the recording studio, balancing her academic commitments with her burgeoning musical aspirations.
Career Trajectory and Notable Achievements
2019–2022: National Recognition
In late 2019, Tyla independently released her debut single, “Getting Late,” featuring production by Kooldrink. The track achieved national success, and its music video garnered several million views on YouTube. The video was nominated for Best Music Video of the Year at the 2022 South African Music Awards. In May 2021, Tyla signed a recording contract with Epic Records through a joint venture with Fax Records in the United States, marking a significant milestone in her career. She continued to release singles, including “Overdue” in October 2021 and “To Last” in November 2022, further establishing her presence in the music industry.
2023–Present: International Breakthrough
Tyla’s international breakthrough came with the release of her single “Water” in July 2023. The song sparked a viral dance challenge on TikTok, propelling it to top ten positions in multiple countries, including South Africa, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Notably, “Water” made Tyla the first South African soloist in 55 years to enter the US Billboard Hot 100, following Hugh Masekela’s “Grazing in the Grass” in 1968. Her performance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in October 2023 further cemented her status as a rising global star.
In February 2024, Tyla won the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance with “Water,” becoming the youngest African artist to receive this honor. Her self-titled debut album, “Tyla,” was released in March 2024, debuting at number 24 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album received critical acclaim and featured collaborations with artists such as Becky G, Gunna, and Tems.
Artistic Influences and Musical Style
Tyla’s musical style is characterized by a fusion of pop and amapiano—a genre that blends Kwaito, house music, and jazz—infused with elements of R&B and Afrobeats. This unique blend has earned her the title “Queen of Popiano.” Her influences include global icons such as Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Drake, and Wizkid, as well as South African acts like Freshlyground and Cassie. Tyla aspires to be the first global pop star from Africa, aiming to expand the reach of African music worldwide.
Awards and Nominations
Tyla’s contributions to music have been widely recognized. In addition to her Grammy win, she has received multiple accolades, including an MTV Video Music Award, two BET Awards, and three MTV Europe Music Awards. At the 2024 BET Awards, she tied with Usher and Victoria Monét for the most awards won, securing titles such as Best New Artist and Best International Act. She also faced challenges, such as backlash after winning Best Afrobeats Video at the MTV Video Music Awards, where she identified as an amapiano artist in her acceptance speech.
Personal Life and Public Image
Beyond her musical endeavors, Tyla is known for her bold fashion choices. Notably, she made a memorable appearance at the 2024 Met Gala, where she donned a sand dress that garnered significant media attention. She has also served as an ambassador for brands like Pandora, collaborating on collections that reflect her personal journey and cultural heritage. Tyla’s engagement with her fanbase, affectionately known as “Tygers,” is evident through her interactive social media presence and merchandise collaborations.
Discography
- Tyla (2024): Her debut studio album features tracks that blend amapiano rhythms with pop and R&B influences, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Collaborations
Throughout her career, Tyla has collaborated with several prominent artists, including Becky G, Gunna, Tems, Ayra Starr, and Summer Walker. These collaborations have expanded her reach across various music genres and international markets.
Conclusion
Tyla’s journey from a young aspiring artist in Johannesburg to an internationally acclaimed musician exemplifies her dedication to her craft and ability to blend diverse musical influences. Her achievements
