Tyla Laura Seethal, also known by her mononym Tyla, is a South African singer and songwriter born on January 30, 2002. Her unique sound is a fusion of pop and amapiano genres, earning her the title "Queen of Popiano" from numerous publications.
Raised in Johannesburg, Tyla began pursuing a music career during her final year of high school, posting original songs and covers on Instagram and actively seeking opportunities in the industry. She was discovered by her first manager, Garth von Glehn, who arranged her first recording sessions. Tyla spent every weekend of her final year in the recording studio.
In 2021, Tyla signed with Epic Records following the domestic success of her 2019 debut single, "Getting Late." She gained international recognition after the release of her 2023 single "Water," which entered the top ten in multiple countries, including South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. "Water" marked a historic milestone as the first song by a South African soloist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years and earned the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance.
The success of "Water" preceded Tyla's self-titled debut album (2024),which received critical acclaim and moderate commercial success, entering the top 25 in multiple countries, including the United States. Tyla is the youngest African artist in history to win a Grammy Award.
Tyla has received numerous accolades, including an MTV Video Music Award, two BET Awards, the Global Force Award, and nominations for a Brit Award, an Ivor Novello Award, a Soul Train Music Award, and nine South African Music Awards.
Tyla's musical influences include Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, Rihanna, Cassie, Ciara, Shakira, Freshlyground, Britney Spears, Drake, and Wizkid. Her dream is to become the first global pop star from Africa.
