Tyla
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Tyla Biography
Tyla Laura Seethal (born 30 January 2002) is a South African singer and songwriter who has rapidly risen to international prominence with her unique blend of pop and amapiano music. Often hailed as the "Queen of Popiano," Tyla's breakthrough came with her 2023 single "Water," which achieved top ten chart positions in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Her innovative sound and dynamic performances have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards, making her the youngest African artist to win in Grammy history.
| Full Name | Tyla Laura Seethal |
| Date of Birth | 30 January 2002 |
| Nationality | South African |
| Genres | Pop, Amapiano, R&B, Afrobeats |
| Debut Single | "Getting Late" (2019) |
| Breakthrough Single | "Water" (2023) |
| Record Label | Epic Records, Fax Records |
| Grammy Awards | 2 (Best African Music Performance for "Water" and "Push 2 Start") |
| Upcoming Album | A*Pop (Scheduled July 2026) |
Early Life and Education
Born in Edenvale, Gauteng, Tyla Laura Seethal comes from a diverse heritage including Coloured, Indian, Indo-Mauritian, Zulu, and Irish ancestry. Raised in Johannesburg's East Rand, she is the third of five children. Tyla attended Edenglen High School, where she graduated in 2019 and served as Head of Culture. Her younger sister Sydney is a model and content creator, notably appearing alongside Tyla in H&M's Spring 2025 campaign.
Tyla's passion for music emerged during her final year of high school, where she began sharing original songs and covers on Instagram. Discovered by manager Garth von Glehn, she dedicated her weekends to recording sessions, laying the foundation for her future career.
Career Beginnings and National Success (2019–2022)
Shortly after finishing high school in late 2019, Tyla self-released her debut single "Getting Late," produced by Kooldrink. The track gained national attention, and its music video, filmed intermittently during the COVID-19 lockdowns, was released in January 2021, earning a South African Music Award nomination for Best Music Video of the Year.
In 2021, Tyla briefly pursued a degree in mining engineering before taking a year off to focus on music. That same year, she signed with Epic Records through a joint venture with Fax Records in the United States. She followed up with singles "Overdue" (2021) and "To Last" (2022), steadily building her profile.
International Breakthrough and Debut Album (2023–2024)
Tyla's first public performance took place in 2023 at the Dolce & Gabbana afterparty during Milan Fashion Week, coinciding with the release of "Been Thinking," which charted on Billboard's Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Rhythmic Airplay charts. Critics praised the single as a "slick club anthem" reminiscent of mid-2000s pop-R&B icons.
Her major breakthrough came with the July 2023 release of "Water," which went viral on TikTok and became the first South African soloist's song to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years. The track also charted in the UK and South Africa, solidifying her global presence. Tyla performed "Water" on prominent platforms such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Bianca Show in Sweden.
In December 2023, Tyla announced her self-titled debut album, released in March 2024 to critical acclaim and moderate commercial success, charting in multiple countries. She won the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for "Water," becoming the youngest African artist to win a Grammy. Later in 2024, she released a deluxe edition of the album featuring the reggae-infused single "Push 2 Start," which also earned her a second Grammy in the same category.
Continued Success and Expansion (2025–Present)
In 2025, Tyla released the EP We Wanna Party (WWP), described as a bridge to her upcoming second studio album, A*Pop, scheduled for July 2026. She collaborated with international artists such as Lisa (from BLACKPINK), Cardi B, and Zara Larsson, expanding her global footprint. Tyla also hosted the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards and performed at major festivals including Coachella.
Her single "Chanel," released in October 2025, became her highest-charting song on the Billboard Global 200 since "Water." That year, she embarked on the We Wanna Party Tour, with sold-out shows in Tokyo and other international venues. In December 2025, South Korean entertainment giant HYBE partnered with her management to amplify her presence across Africa and beyond.
Artistry and Influences
Tyla's music is a vibrant fusion of pop and amapiano, enriched with elements of R&B and Afrobeats. She cites icons such as Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Drake, Wizkid, Whitney Houston, Freshlyground, Aaliyah, and Cassie as her biggest influences. Her ambition is to become the first global pop star from Africa, a goal she is steadily realizing through her innovative sound and international acclaim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Tyla's breakthrough single?
A: Her breakthrough single is "Water," released in 2023, which gained international chart success and viral popularity.
Q: How many Grammy Awards has Tyla won?
A: Tyla has won two Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance, for "Water" (2024) and "Push 2 Start" (2026).
Q: When is Tyla's second studio album scheduled for release?
A: Her second studio album, A*Pop, is scheduled for release on 24 July 2026.
Q: What genres does Tyla's music incorporate?
A: Tyla's music incorporates pop, amapiano, R&B, and Afrobeats.
Conclusion
Tyla Laura Seethal stands as a pioneering figure in contemporary African music, blending diverse genres to create a fresh and captivating sound. Her rapid ascent from a high school artist sharing songs on Instagram to an internationally recognized Grammy-winning star exemplifies her talent, determination, and vision. With her upcoming album A*Pop and continued global collaborations, Tyla is poised to further cement her status as a trailblazer and the "Queen of Popiano," inspiring a new generation of artists across the continent and the world.
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