Everything You Want to Know About the Singer Tyla

In the past few years, a fresh, dynamic voice from South Africa has been shaking up the global music scene — and her name is Tyla. From viral dance challenges to Grammy Award glory, Tyla is proving that music knows no borders. Whether you’re a new fan curious about the singer behind the international smash hit "Water", or a longtime follower of her rising career, this deep dive into her life, music, and impact will leave you inspired and intrigued.

Let’s explore everything you want to know about Tyla.

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Early Life and Musical Roots

Tyla, whose full name is Tyla Laura Seethal, was born on January 30, 2002, in Edenvale, Gauteng, South Africa, and raised in Johannesburg. She grew up in a diverse, multicultural household, which deeply influenced her eclectic musical taste. Tyla is of Zulu, Irish, Mauritian, and Indian descent — identifying as Coloured, a South African term for people of mixed heritage.

Even as a child, Tyla showed an interest in music. She loved singing and would often perform for family and friends. Growing up, she was inspired by international icons like Aaliyah, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Drake, Michael Jackson, and Cassie, as well as local South African acts like Freshlyground. This wide range of influences would later shape the unique, genre-bending sound she’s become famous for.

While in high school at Edenglen High School, Tyla was an active student and even served as the school’s Head of Culture. It was during this time that she began uploading covers and snippets of original songs to Instagram and YouTube — slowly building a small but loyal following online.

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From Viral Sensation to Global Breakout

After graduating high school in 2019, Tyla initially planned to pursue a degree in mining engineering, a popular career path in her hometown. However, her heart was always in music. She convinced her parents to let her take a gap year to focus on her passion, and it turned out to be a life-changing decision.

Tyla began working closely with local producers and recording original music. In 2020, she released her debut single “Getting Late” featuring producer Kooldrink. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tyla and her team managed to shoot a vibrant music video for the song, which went viral in South Africa and caught the attention of international music executives.

The song earned a nomination for Best Music Video at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), officially marking Tyla as a rising star to watch.

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The Global Explosion: “Water”

Tyla’s big break on the international stage came in 2023 with the release of the infectious hit “Water”. The track blends pop, R&B, and amapiano — a South African house genre known for its jazzy piano melodies and percussion-heavy beats.

What truly propelled “Water” into global consciousness was a viral TikTok dance challenge. In the video, Tyla performs a sensual, bacardi-inspired dance routine while pouring water over herself — a captivating visual that became an internet sensation. Millions of TikTok users recreated the challenge, and celebrities like Ciara and Kelly Rowland posted their own versions.

The song quickly charted worldwide, becoming the first song by a South African solo artist to crack the Billboard Hot 100 in over 50 years. It also reached the top 10 in multiple countries, including the UK, Australia, and Canada, and peaked at No. 7 in the U.S.

By 2024, “Water” had achieved multi-platinum certifications in several countries and accumulated over a billion streams on Spotify — an extraordinary feat for any artist, let alone a newcomer from Johannesburg.

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Grammy Glory and Award Wins

In February 2024, Tyla cemented her status as a global music star by winning the first-ever Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for “Water.” At just 22 years old, she became the youngest African artist to win a Grammy, joining the ranks of icons like Angelique Kidjo and Burna Boy.

The Grammy win was a watershed moment, not just for Tyla, but for South African and African music as a whole. It marked a growing recognition of African artists on the global stage and helped pave the way for others in genres like amapiano, Afrobeats, and Afropop.

In addition to her Grammy win, Tyla has received several other accolades, including:

• BET Award for Best New International Artist

• South African Music Award nominations

• MTV Africa Music Award recognition

• Spotify RADAR Global Artist feature

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Debut Album and Musical Style

Riding the wave of her “Water” success, Tyla released her highly anticipated debut studio album “Tyla” in March 2024. The album is a masterclass in genre fusion, blending pop, R&B, amapiano, Afrobeats, and even hints of trap and dancehall.

The album includes tracks like:

• “Truth or Dare”

• “On and On”

• “Butterflies”

• “Jump” (featuring Gunna and Skillibeng)

• “To Last”

Tyla describes her musical style as “popiano” — a term she coined to represent her blend of pop and amapiano. Her vocals are light, airy, and intimate, often compared to Aaliyah for their smooth, sultry quality.

She cites influences ranging from Britney Spears to Wizkid, and her work seamlessly balances pop catchiness with the soulful grooves of amapiano and the rhythmic bounce of Afrobeats.

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Fashion, Identity, and Cultural Impact

Tyla’s cultural background has been a topic of international conversation. In South Africa, she identifies as Coloured, a term specific to South African racial classifications, though she embraces her Zulu, Irish, Mauritian, and Indian roots.

Internationally, Tyla recognizes herself as a Black woman and has spoken openly about navigating the complexities of identity across different cultures. She emphasizes the importance of representation and hopes to inspire young women of color to embrace their uniqueness.

In addition to her musical success, Tyla is quickly becoming a fashion icon. She frequently sports Y2K-inspired looks — think low-rise jeans, crop tops, and bold accessories — and often pays homage to early-2000s style icons like Aaliyah and Destiny’s Child.

She also counts herself a fan of K-pop culture, praising its creativity, visuals, and rigorous work ethic.

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Live Performances and Touring

Despite being relatively new to the global music scene, Tyla has already graced some of the world’s biggest stages. She made her U.S. television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2023 and performed at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2024.

In 2025, Tyla was scheduled for her first world tour, but due to an unexpected injury, the dates were postponed. Nevertheless, she’s set to make her Coachella debut in April 2025, joining a lineup alongside Lady Gaga, Missy Elliott, and Doja Cat.

Her high-energy performances, combined with her sultry vocals and commanding stage presence, make her one of the most exciting live acts to watch in 2025.

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Social Media and Global Reach

Tyla’s rise to fame has been powered in part by her savvy use of social media. With over 5 million Instagram followers and tens of millions of likes on TikTok, she knows how to engage her audience with behind-the-scenes content, dance challenges, and personal insights.

Her viral success on platforms like TikTok has not only boosted her career but also played a pivotal role in popularizing amapiano outside Africa.

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Tyla’s Vision for the Future

Despite her meteoric rise, Tyla remains grounded and focused on her long-term vision: to become the first global pop superstar from Africa. She aims to continue blending amapiano with international pop and R&B to create a sound that transcends borders.

In interviews, Tyla has emphasized her desire to collaborate with artists like Rihanna, Drake, and The Weeknd, and to expand African pop culture on the global stage.

She’s also passionate about representation and empowering young African women to chase their dreams unapologetically.

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Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Guide on Tyla

Tyla’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and perfect timing. She’s proof that an artist from Johannesburg, with a dream and a smartphone, can capture the world’s attention in a matter of months.

With a Grammy Award, a billion-streaming hit, and a highly acclaimed debut album under her belt — all before turning 23 — Tyla is just getting started.

Her music, style, and unapologetic embrace of her identity have made her a symbol of modern African excellence. And if the past two years are any indication, the future belongs to Tyla.