Tyla: “I Came into the Industry So Innocent, But You Have to Be Strong”

Tyla’s journey in music has been nothing short of breathtaking. In just two years, she has risen from being a promising newcomer in South Africa to becoming a global chart-topping sensation. Ever since her breakout single Water went viral in 2023 — thanks to its unforgettable dance routine where she famously pours water over herself mid-performance — the young star has taken the music world by storm. She has not only won awards but also broken records, all while carving out her own lane.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Standard Culture (@esculture)

In an interview with The London Standard, Tyla reflected on her growth. Compared to the light-hearted, singalong feel of earlier hits like Push 2 Start and Truth or Dare, her newer music carries a stronger sound and an even bolder attitude. This, she explains, mirrors the woman she has become while learning to handle fame.

“I came into [the industry] so innocent, thinking it’s not that serious. That we’re just pop stars, dressing up and singing,” Tyla says. “But over time, I realised you have to be strong. You can’t be a walkover. Be nice, but you have to know when to put your foot down.” With a shrug, she adds, “I don’t care as much what people think. If they’re not feeling me, it’s like, ‘Okay, move on.’”

Born Tyla Laura Seethal in Johannesburg, she has always been drawn to the spotlight. She describes herself as “a diva” growing up — eager to perform at school talent shows or host makeshift fashion runways for her family. “I would make sure everyone’s paying attention — like, watch me,” she recalls with a laugh. As a classic middle child, she was always joking, smiling, and bringing good vibes. Music wasn’t originally her first plan, but with a family full of singers, dancers, and instrumentalists, she admits, “Music was everywhere. It was innate for me.”

That natural love for performance found the perfect partner in amapiano. While the genre had already taken South Africa by storm, it wasn’t until 2021 that it caught the world’s attention. “Amapiano has changed South Africa,” Tyla says. “We have more jobs, more gigs. Our DJs are travelling, more artists and creatives have opportunities.” For her, it’s more than music. “While everybody was stuck inside [during Covid], we were getting bangers that we were partying to in our houses, or at illegal parties. It was like a movement. The genre is spiritual. When I hear the log drum sounds banging, it’s something that’s deeper than just music.”

Now, Tyla has become a true ambassador for both her country and amapiano. Being the first South African pop star to break through globally could be seen as a heavy responsibility, but she carries it with pride. “I’m grateful. No matter how old I get, no matter what happens, my name will always be there as the girl that did that,” she says. “It was a long time coming. We needed that African person to show people that we can do it, you know? Even though it’s pressure, I’d do it all over again.”

With her career accelerating so quickly, Tyla admits she’s had to figure out fame as she goes. “I’m kind of figuring it out in front of the world,” she explains. “There are definitely some things where I think, ‘Why did I do that?’ And for a while, I felt a way about it, because imagine everybody seeing your rough drafts. But now it’s cool — my Tygers [her fandom name] are seeing me grow for real. They’re gonna see all the mistakes and that’s okay.”