Soul Train Awards 2023: Who is Tyla? 5 Things to Know About the South African Singer Making a Splash in the U.S.
Dubbed by fans as the South African Ariana Grande, singer and songwriter Tyla made her debut in 2019 with the release of the amapiano and dance-influence record “Getting Late” featuring producer Kooldrink. The song instantly caught traction, but she would find international fame later in her career with her viral hit single “Water,” which ultimately spawned a dance challenge on TikTok.
The 21-year-old has gradually been growing her fan base and solidifying her spot as a formidable competitor in the Afropop scene. Get familiar with the singer looking to take the crown as the Afropop princess with these five facts.
She’s representing South Africa
Tyla was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is of Indian, Zulu, Mauritian, and Irish descent.
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She began her music career like many aspiring artists of the new generation
Before getting spins on the airwaves, Tyla started her musical career writing songs in her diary. Like many aspiring musicians in the day and age of technology, she also started uploading videos of herself doing covers. She sent the recordings to industry figures but to no avail, but she ultimately met her now-manager, Topshotta.
2023 has been a fantastic year for her
Tyla made her grand debut with her performance during the Dolce & Gabbana afterparty at Milan Fashion Week in March 2023. She also earned her first chart placement of her career, landing on the Billboard Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart for her record, “Been Thinking.”
She’s toured with one the most prominent artists in R&B
In February 2023, Tyla joined Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Chris Brown for his UK and European ”Under The Influence Tour,” which kicked off on Valentine’s Day, (Feb. 14.)
She’s already making strides in the music industry
Tyla’s record “Water” became the first solo song by a South African musician to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 chart since jazz star Hugh Masekela’s single “Grazing in the Grass” over five decades ago.
