By: Nqobile Mtshali
Tyla photographed by Dennis Leupold
Hey music enthusiasts, let us dive into the vibrant world of Tyla Laura Seethal, better known as Tyla, South Africa's sensational singer and songwriter who's been making waves on the global music scene.
Who is Tyla? Tyla, born on January 30, 2002, in the heart of Johannesburg, is a musical powerhouse with a melting pot of heritages – Zulu, Indian, Mauritian, and Irish. Imagine the energy that combination brings to her music.
Getting the Party Started: Early Years and "Getting Late" Tyla's journey into music began during her high school days at Edenglen High School. In 2019, right after finishing high school, she dropped her debut single, "Getting Late," featuring Kooldrink, and the rest, as they say, is history. This track not only earned her local fame but also laid the foundation for her international breakthrough.
Epic Records and Beyond: Tyla's Journey to the Stars After capturing hearts domestically, Tyla signed with Epic Records in 2021. Fast forward to 2023, and she's hitting us with "Water," a single that catapulted her into the international spotlight. Fun fact: "Water" is not just a song; it's a phenomenon that entered the top ten in sixteen countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
Grammy Glory: Tyla's Big Win Hold onto your hats because this is where it gets even more exciting! Tyla's "Water" not only made her the youngest-ever South African soloist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 but also snagged her a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024. Imagine winning a Grammy at 22 – talk about a life-changing moment!
Upcoming Debut Album and Future Plans But wait, there's more! Tyla's self-titled debut album is set to drop on March 22, 2024, promising more infectious beats and soulful vibes that we've come to love. Stay tuned because this is just the beginning of Tyla's musical journey.
Influences and Aspirations: Tyla's Musical DNA Tyla's musical DNA is a blend of legends like Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Drake, Cassie, and Wizkid. Her dream? To become the first global pop star from Africa. With her talent and determination, she's well on her way to achieving that dream.
Behind the Scenes: Tyla's Controversial Racial Identity Now, let's address the elephant in the room – the controversy surrounding Tyla's use of the term "Coloured." In South Africa, it's an officially recognized identity, but in the US, it's seen differently. Tyla's proud of her mixed-race heritage, and we're here for it. Let's respect the diversity of cultures and identities, folks.
Answering Your Burning Questions
How old is Tyla?
Tyla was born on January 30, 2002, making her [current age] years old.
How did Tyla get into music?
Tyla started posting songs on Instagram during high school, caught the attention of her manager Garth von Glehn, and signed with Epic Records in 2021.
How is Tyla connected to Chris Brown?
Tyla joined Chris Brown as the opening act for his Under the Influence Tour, sharing the stage with one of the industry's giants.
There you have it, folks – a sneak peek into the whirlwind that is Tyla's musical journey. Stay tuned for more beats, more awards, and undoubtedly more of Tyla's infectious energy. The music world just got a whole lot more colourful, thanks to this rising star from South Africa!