Feature Photo: WBNX-TV 55, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Tyla Laura Seethal was born on January 30, 2002, in Johannesburg, South Africa. She grew up in a family of Indian, Zulu, and Mauritian descent. Her early life in Johannesburg exposed her to a wide variety of music, and she began singing and performing at a young age. Tyla attended Edenglen High School and started posting videos of herself singing on social media platforms, which quickly gained attention for her vocal talent and stage presence.
Tyla’s professional career took off in 2019 when she was discovered by her current manager, Garth von Glehn, after he saw her videos online. She signed with Fax Records in partnership with Epic Records in the United States. Her debut single, “Getting Late” featuring Kooldrink, was released in 2019. The song became a hit in South Africa, going viral on TikTok and amassing millions of views on YouTube. The “Getting Late” music video also drew attention, helping to establish her as a fresh new voice in South African pop and amapiano music.
In 2021, “Getting Late” was nominated for Music Video of the Year at the 27th South African Music Awards. Tyla followed up with singles including “Overdue” (featuring DJ Lag and Kooldrink) and “To Last.” She continued to gain a following through her dynamic blend of pop, R&B, and amapiano influences. Her music is often characterized by infectious rhythms, smooth vocals, and elements drawn from her South African heritage.
Tyla’s breakout came in 2023 with the release of “Water.” The single went viral internationally, driven by a dance challenge on TikTok and strong streaming numbers. “Water” became her signature hit, reaching number one in New Zealand, number two in Australia, number four in the United Kingdom, and number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100. The track was certified multi-platinum in several countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
In February 2024, Tyla released her self-titled debut studio album, Tyla. The album includes singles such as “On and On,” “Truth or Dare,” “Butterflies,” “Jump” (featuring Gunna and Skillibeng), and “Art.” The album features collaborations with international artists, including Tems, Travis Scott, Becky G, Gunna, and Skillibeng. Tyla debuted at number twenty-five on the US Billboard 200, making her the highest-charting African female solo artist in the chart’s history at the time. The album also charted in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and several European countries.
“Water” earned Tyla her first Grammy Award, winning Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024. She became the first South African artist to win a Grammy in that category and the youngest African woman to win a Grammy in any category. The song was also nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year at several international award ceremonies.
Tyla has performed at major music festivals and award shows, including the MTV Europe Music Awards, BET Awards, and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. She appeared as a featured artist on tracks with Chris Brown, Tems, and Becky G. Her music videos have accumulated millions of views on YouTube, and her singles have topped charts and achieved multi-platinum certifications across multiple continents.
Outside of her recording career, Tyla has been featured in international fashion magazines and has become a style icon known for her bold looks and collaborations with global brands. She has been recognized by Vogue, Elle, and other major publications for her influence in music and fashion. Tyla has also used her platform to advocate for the visibility of African artists in the global music industry.
Complete List Of Tyla Songs From A to Z
- Amawele (Marioo featuring Tyla) – The Kid You Know – 2022
- Art – Tyla – 2024
- Back to You – Tyla – 2024
- Bana Ba (Daliwonga featuring ShaunMusiq, Ftears, Tyla, and TitoM) – Dali Dali – 2023
- Been Thinking – Non-album single – 2023
- Bliss – We Wanna Party – 2025
- Breathe Me – Tyla – 2024
- Butterflies – Tyla – 2024
- Dynamite (with Wizkid) – We Wanna Party – 2025
- Everything Goes with Blue – Smurfs Movie Soundtrack (Music From & Inspired By) – 2025
- Getting Late (featuring Kooldrink) – Non-album single – 2019
- Girl Next Door (featuring Ayra Starr) – Non-album single – 2023
- Girls Need Love (Girls Mix) (Summer Walker featuring Tyla) – Non-album song – 2023
- Intro (with Kelvin Momo) – Tyla – 2024
- Is It – We Wanna Party – 2025
- Jump (with Gunna and Skillibeng) – Tyla – 2024
- Ke Shy (Major Lazer and Major League DJz featuring Tyla, Luudadeejay, and Yumbs) – Piano Republik – 2023
- Mr. Media – We Wanna Party – 2025
- Ngowam (Kelvin Momo featuring Tyla) – Amukelani – 2022
- No.1 (featuring Tems) – Tyla – 2024
- On and On – Tyla – 2024
- On My Body (with Becky G) – Tyla – 2024
- One Call (with Spinall and Omah Lay) – Non-album single – 2024
- Overdue (featuring DJ Lag and Kooldrink) – Blood & Water: Season 2 – 2021
- PBT (Travis Scott and Vybz Kartel featuring Tyla) – JackBoys 2 – 2025
- Priorities – Tyla – 2024
- Push 2 Start – Tyla – 2024
- Safer – Tyla – 2024
- Shake Ah (featuring Tony Duardo, Optimist ZA and Ez Maestro) – Tyla – 2024
- Show Me Love (WizTheMc, Bees & Honey featuring Tyla) – Non-album song – 2025
- Tears – Non-album single – 2024
- Thata Ahh (ShaunMusiq, Ftears, and DJ Maphorisa featuring Young Stunna, Madumane, and Tyla) – Thatha Ushaka – 2022
- To Last – Tyla – 2024
- Truth or Dare – Tyla – 2024
- Water – Tyla – 2024
- Water (remix with Marshmello) – Tyla – 2024
- Water (remix with Travis Scott) – Tyla – 2024
- When I’m with You (Lisa featuring Tyla) – Alter Ego – 2025
Albums
Tyla (2024): 18 songs
We Wanna Party (2025): 4 songs
Non-album singles/guest appearances: 16 songs
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