Born in 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tyla is a rising star in the global music scene. The young singer, songwriter, and dancer is quickly making a name for herself, redefining the boundaries of contemporary R&B and amapiano – a distinctive South African electronic music genre. Hailing from a multiracial family with Zulu, Indian, and Mauritian roots, Tyla discovered her passion for music at a young age, eventually catching the attention of industry professionals on Instagram thanks to her original songs and covers. Her debut single “Getting Late”, produced by Kooldrink, was released in 2019 and became a national hit in South Africa. Four years later, her international breakthrough came with her viral hit “Water,” a smooth R&B track that blended amapiano influences. The song’s infectious dance challenge on TikTok and high-profile endorsements from artists like Travis Scott and Cardi B propelled Tyla onto the global stage. “Water” made Tyla the youngest South African solo artist and the first in 55 years to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. At just 22 years old, Tyla’s meteoric rise has already earned her a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024 and two BET Awards in 2024 for Best International Act and Best New Artist. In March 2024, her highly anticipated and eponymous debut album cemented her status as the most popular South African artist. Tyla recently did a surprise performance during the Prelude to the 2024 Olympic Games, a memorable evening party at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris.
