In 2023, Tyla made a powerful entrance onto the international music scene with “Water,” a track that soared into the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, introducing the world to her signature popiano sound. But that was only the beginning for the young South African artist. In March 2024, she released her highly anticipated debut album, “Tyla”—a masterful fusion of amapiano, Afrobeats, pop, and R&B—solidifying her talent and artistic identity.
A Year of Triumphs and Challenges
Despite facing setbacks—such as a back injury that forced her to cancel her Coachella performance and her first international tour—Tyla continued to shine. In May, she made headlines at the Met Gala, wearing a breathtaking sand-textured Balmain gown, proving that her influence extends beyond music and into fashion. She was also selected as a host committee member for the Costume Institute Benefit, which this year celebrated Black culture in fashion.
In October, she debuted “Push 2 Start” at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, a reggae-infused track that quickly landed on the Billboard Hot 100.
Breaking Records and Winning Awards
Tyla made history at the 2024 Grammy Awards, winning Best African Music Performance—becoming the youngest African artist to ever receive the honor. Her accolades continued with wins at the BET Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards.
As one of the honorees at Women in Music Impact, she remains dedicated to elevating African music on a global scale. She also challenges the misconception that all African artists create only Afrobeats, emphasizing the diversity of sounds coming from the continent. In April 2025, she will make her highly anticipated return to Coachella.
“Knowing that my music resonates with people all over the world—especially African artists—is something truly special,” she says.
The Debate Over Her Musical Identity
Despite her global success, Tyla has expressed frustration over the misclassification of her music as strictly Afrobeats. However, she remains honored by the recognition:
“I’m incredibly grateful because I do draw inspiration from Afrobeats. I represent the whole of Africa. Genres are fluid, and categorization can be tricky. If people focused more on acknowledging an artist’s influences rather than boxing them into one category, we’d have a much better understanding of music today.”
The Women Who Inspire Her
Tyla credits artists like Tems, Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, and Aaliyah as major influences in her career.
Her Most Memorable Performance
Among the many highlights of her career, Tyla holds a special place for her performances in South Africa:
“Performing in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria was magical. Ever since ‘Water’ blew up, I hadn’t had the chance to sing in my home country. These were the biggest solo concerts I’ve ever done, giving me full creative control over the stage, lighting, choreography, and orchestration. Building a show from the ground up and presenting it to my audience there was an unforgettable experience.”
What’s Next for 2025
Tyla is already working on her next album, promising an exciting new direction:
“I’ve changed a lot in a short time because I had to adapt quickly to this new reality. The energy of this album will be different from the last one, but it will still be authentically Tyla.”
