South African singer Tyla has become a global star, who has quickly made a name for herself in the music world. Known for her hit single “Water,” Tyla has achieved remarkable success at a young age.
In this article, we’ll explore ten interesting facts about Tyla, from her diverse background and early career choices to her breakthrough songs and impressive performances.
1. She is from Johannesburg
Tyla Laura Seethal, known simply as Tyla, is a singer-songwriter from South Africa. She hails from Johannesburg, South Africa. Johannesburg, often referred to as “Jo’burg” or “Joburg,” is the largest city in South Africa and is known for its vibrant culture and dynamic music scene. Growing up in this bustling city, Tyla was exposed to a diverse range of musical influences that have shaped her unique sound.
Johannesburg is a city with a rich history and a blend of different cultures. It is famous for its role in the fight against apartheid and is home to many historical sites and museums. The city’s energy and diversity provided Tyla with a vibrant backdrop for her musical journey.
From a young age, Tyla was surrounded by the sounds of South African music, which has a strong presence in Johannesburg. This environment played a crucial role in developing her passion for music and performance.
2. Instead of pursuing a degree, she pursued music
During her final year of high school, Tyla faced a crucial decision about her future. She had initially planned to pursue a university degree, but her growing passion for music led her to rethink her path. Rather than continuing with her academic plans, Tyla chose to focus entirely on her music career, a decision that would profoundly shape her future.
As Tyla approached the end of high school, she began to realise that her true passion lay in music rather than academia. She started sharing her original songs and covers on Instagram, using the platform to build a following and gain exposure.
By focusing on her music, she was able to seize opportunities that came her way, including being discovered by her first manager, Garth von Glehn. This decision allowed her to immerse herself in the music industry, leading to significant milestones such as her debut single and subsequent successes.
3. She is influenced by several iconic artists
Tyla draws inspiration from influential artists like Aaliyah, Rihanna, and Cassie. She admired these ’90s singers and often imagined herself achieving similar success. She also credits South African artists like Freshlyground for influencing her sound, especially their collaboration with Shakira on “Waka Waka.
Tyla – On and On
4. She scored her first hit with “Getting Late” in 2022
“Getting Late” was Tyla’s debut single, released in late 2019, but it gained major traction in 2022. The track features Kooldrink, a well-known figure in the South African music industry. Kooldrink’s contribution added a unique flavour to the song, blending seamlessly with Tyla’s vocals.
“Getting Late” was not just a hit song; it was also nominated at the 28th South African Music Awards in 2022 after she released the music video. This nomination was a big achievement and brought her even more recognition.
5. Signing with Epic Records
In 2021, after gaining considerable attention and building a strong following, Tyla’s rising fame caught the eye of Epic Records. Recognizing her potential to make a global impact, the label signed her, providing her with a larger platform and more resources to develop her music career.
Signing with Epic Records marked a pivotal moment for Tyla. It allowed her to work with top industry professionals, access better production facilities, and reach a wider audience.
6. Breakthrough with “Water”
Tyla’s breakthrough single, “Water,” released in 2023, marked a significant turning point in her career. The song quickly became a major hit and played a crucial role in elevating her status on the international music scene. The song became a viral sensation on TikTok, where it inspired numerous challenges and dance routines. This online popularity helped it gain even more traction and introduced Tyla to a broader audience.
The success of “Water” was not limited to South Africa. It made a significant impact internationally, achieving several milestones.
7. International Performances
One of Tyla’s most notable performances was at Milan Fashion Week. Performing “Water” at this prestigious event marked her debut on a major international stage. The event, known for its high-profile audience and fashion industry influence, provided Tyla with significant exposure and showcased her talent to a global audience.
Tyla performed “Water” at a Dolce & Gabbana event, further solidifying her presence in the fashion world. This performance was an important milestone, connecting her music with high fashion and reaching influential industry figures.
Tyla’s performance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” was another significant achievement as it marked her American live Television debut. This appearance on a major US late-night talk show provided her with valuable exposure and introduced her music to a broader American audience.
8. Chart Success
The song “Water” became a top 10 hit in the United Kingdom Afrobeats charts and was also popular in The Netherlands and New Zealand. It even made it to the US Billboard Hot 100, making Tyla the first South African solo artist and the youngest South African to achieve this since Hugh Masekela in 1968
It reached No. 7 on the Hot 100, marking Tyla as the highest-charting African female solo artist in Billboard history. Additionally, “Water” topped the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs and
Hip-Hop/R&B charts, reflecting its massive success and influence
9. She is a Grammy Award winner
At the most recent Grammy Awards, Tyla achieved a major milestone by winning the Grammy for Best African Music Performance. This award, which was introduced to celebrate exceptional music from Africa, marked a historic moment for the South African singer.
Tyla’s victory is especially notable because she triumphed over other prominent Afrobeats stars, including ASAKE & Olamide, Burna Boy, Davido featuring Musa Keys, and Ayra Starr. Her single “Water” was the standout track, showcasing its widespread appeal and impact.
Upon receiving her Grammy from Jimmy Jam during the GRAMMY Premiere Ceremony, Tyla was overwhelmed with emotion.
Tyla – Water
10. She is of Mixed ethnicity
Tyla, the South African singer, comes from a diverse ethnic background that blends several different ethnicities. She was born into a Coloured family, a term used in South Africa to describe people with mixed racial heritage. Her rich ancestry includes Indian, Mauritian, Zulu, and Irish roots, which contribute to her unique identity and cultural heritage.
On her mother’s side, Tyla has Indian and Mauritian ancestry. Mauritians are known for their diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Indian, African, and European influences. Tyla’s Zulu heritage comes from the indigenous Zulu people of South Africa. The Zulu are one of the largest ethnic groups in the country, with a strong cultural identity and history.
In addition to her South African and Indian roots, Tyla also has Irish ancestry.
Tyla’s mixed ethnicity reflects a blend of various cultural influences. Growing up in South Africa with such a diverse background has shaped her perspective and artistic expression.
