Tyla, a captivating South African singer, is taking the world by storm with her infectious blend of Amapiano and R&B. Her song ‘Water,’ released in July 2023, has become a global phenomenon, amassing over 937 million streams worldwide, including an impressive 13 million streams in Japan alone. With her stunningly beautiful features reminiscent of Beyoncé, Tyla exudes a Venus-like aura. Her South African origin adds another layer of intrigue to her growing global appeal.
Tyla’s rise to fame is a testament to her ambition and relentless pursuit of her dreams. While still a student in South Africa, she began sharing her music on social media. She proactively sent her cover songs to established artists, showcasing her talent and determination to break through. With her parents’ support, she took a year off from her studies to fully commit to her music career. She collaborated with producers she met through social media, tirelessly crafting and refining her sound. Her debut single, ‘Getting Late’ (feat. Kooldrink), released in 2019, garnered significant attention, leading to a major record deal.
Tyla’s music is deeply rooted in Amapiano, a new genre originating in South Africa. Amapiano, often described as R&B with house music influences, has taken the world by storm with its infectious grooves. Tyla’s music perfectly encapsulates the genre’s essence, blending it seamlessly with her own unique R&B style. Her debut album, ‘TYLA,’ features collaborations with talented artists like Tems (Nigerian singer) and Becky G (Latin singer), showcasing the versatility of Amapiano and its ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Amapiano is often associated with a dance style called ‘Bacardi,’ which involves fluid hip movements similar to twerking, but less aggressive. Tyla’s captivating dance moves, particularly her performance video where she dances with water cascading down her back, went viral on TikTok, further propelling the popularity of both Amapiano and Bacardi.
Tyla’s commitment to her South African heritage is evident in her fashion choices. At the 2024 Met Gala, she made a statement in a custom Balmain dress adorned with sand, earning accolades for its innovative design and stunning beauty. She is unafraid to push boundaries in her style, often embracing Y2K fashion to accentuate her petite frame and emphasize her slim figure. She has incorporated traditional South African elements into her music videos, as seen in the video for ‘Jump’ where she wears a tank top and accessories designed by South African designer Thebe Magugu.
Tyla draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including Michael Jackson, Rihanna, and Aaliyah. She particularly admires Rihanna, recognizing similarities in their trajectories to success. Both singers rose to fame from outside of the mainstream music industry, achieving success in music, fashion, and beauty. Tyla sees Rihanna as a source of inspiration and a role model for her own aspirations. Both artists share a vibrant, tropical energy, leading many to believe Tyla has the potential to reach Rihanna’s level of success. Tyla herself expresses her ambition, stating, “My goal is to achieve global success, to be a pop star performing for massive audiences. I always dreamt of being on a big stage.”
With her undeniable talent, captivating stage presence, and infectious energy, Tyla is undoubtedly on the path to becoming a global icon. Her unique blend of Amapiano and R&B, combined with her commitment to her South African heritage, is sure to resonate with audiences worldwide, solidifying her place in the music industry for years to come.
