South Africa has long been a cradle of diverse talents, and the latest sensation to emerge from the rainbow nation is 21-year-old Tyla Laura Seethal, better known as Tyla. From her multicultural origins to her meteoric rise in the international music scene, Tyla’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
Viral Breakthrough with “Water”
Tyla’s ascent to stardom began with the release of her viral hit “Water” in July of this year. This infectious track, blending Afrobeats, pop, R&B, and South African amapiano, quickly became a global sensation, reaching the top 10 charts in a dozen countries, including the UK and Australia. Notably, “Water” marked a historic moment as the first solo South African song to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 since Hugh Masekela’s “Grazing in the Grass” over five decades ago.
The success of “Water” is not confined to traditional charts; it also took the digital realm by storm with a TikTok dance challenge, captivating audiences worldwide. Tyla’s ability to seamlessly fuse genres struck a chord, propelling her into the spotlight.
International Recognition and Achievements
Beyond the digital realm, Tyla’s achievements extend to the global stage. She toured with Chris Brown for his “Under the Influence” tour in Europe, marking a significant milestone in her career. Tyla’s foray into the fashion world was equally noteworthy, making her “first-ever fashion debut” at the Dolce & Gabbana show in Milan, where she not only attended but also performed at the after-party.
In the midst of these accomplishments, Tyla managed to remain grounded, expressing her disbelief at seeing artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Christina Aguilera using her song. Her multicultural roots—Zulu, Indian, and Mauritian—underscore her South African identity, and she proudly declares, “I’m a South African born and bred in Johannesburg.”
Early Years and Musical Calling
Tyla’s journey from Johannesburg to international acclaim has its roots in her early years. Born on January 30, 2002, she matriculated from Edenglen High School in Edenvale in 2019. Despite initially pursuing a degree in mining engineering, her passion for music prevailed, leading her to commit wholeheartedly to her true calling.
Her music career traces back to childhood, where she found inspiration in the performances of Michael Jackson and Rihanna. A young Tyla envisioned herself in the spotlight, and her dreams were fueled by the motivation she drew from young women of color in the industry, such as Aaliyah and Cassie.
Tyla’s journey from posting original songs on Instagram to being discovered by her first manager, Garth von Glehn, highlights her determination. Her debut single, “Getting Late,” released in late 2019, paved the way for national success and caught the attention of Epic Records, leading to her signing with the label.
The Unstoppable “Water” and Future Prospects
As “Water” continues to make waves globally, Tyla’s career shows no signs of slowing down. The accompanying music video, released last month, has already garnered millions of views on YouTube, further solidifying her presence in the music industry.
Despite her international success, Tyla remains deeply connected to her South African roots, emphasizing the importance of making the country’s sound heard worldwide. Her upcoming debut album is eagerly awaited, and she sees it not just as a personal victory but as a triumph for all of Africa.
American Television Debut and Beyond
Tyla’s recent performance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” marked her American television debut, adding another milestone to her burgeoning career. Reflecting on her whirlwind year, she acknowledges the organic growth of “Water,” attributing its success not only to the catchy tune but also to the dance challenge that captured the imagination of fans globally.
In a recent interview, Tyla expressed gratitude for the song’s reception, stating, “Even before the challenge started, before the video went viral, people were loving the song. But I think what really took it to the edge was my performance of it.”
As Tyla’s star continues to rise, one thing is clear—her journey from Johannesburg to the global stage is a testament to the power of passion, talent, and the ability to create a sound that resonates across borders. South Africa’s youngest musician to grace the US Billboard Hot 100 has undoubtedly become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists on the continent and beyond.
