South African sensation Tyla has taken the music world by storm, and now, she’s gracing the cover of V Magazine. In an exclusive interview, Tyla reflects on her incredible journey, her unexpected rise to fame, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career.
When Tyla released “Getting Late” in 2019, it marked the beginning of her ascent in the music industry. However, it was her 2023 hit single “Water” that catapulted her into the global spotlight. The track, which seamlessly blends Bacardi dance style with modern music, quickly became a viral sensation, amassing over 500 million streams globally. It even sparked a TikTok dance trend performed over 5 million times and attracted remixes from industry heavyweights Travis Scott and Marshmello.
Reflecting on the song’s unexpected success, Tyla shared, “It came as a surprise to all of us, myself and my whole team. It was really a cool moment.”
Tyla attributes her success to the fresh and unique sound she brought to the table. “It was something new. It was even new for people back home in South Africa,” she explained. By fusing traditional Bacardi dance style with her contemporary music, Tyla created a sound that captivated audiences worldwide. “I feel like people just liked it. And I’m happy that they did because it really changed my whole life.”
Growing up in South Africa, Tyla began writing music at the tender age of 12. Her early experiences—performing in talent shows, acting in plays, and creating music on her own—laid the foundation for her artistic development. “All those years of writing, making music by myself, performing in talent shows or for family, acting in plays—I feel like all of those moments developed me in a way and help me now as a performer and as an artist.”
Tyla’s background in performing arts has significantly influenced her artistry. “I loved doing it in school. Every single play, I would be there auditioning and singing and acting,” she reminisced. This passion for performance is evident in her dynamic stage presence, where she seamlessly combines singing, acting, and dancing to create an unforgettable show.
Tyla’s highly-anticipated debut album, “TYLA,” released on March 22nd, showcases her incredible range and signature sound. Over the years, her sound and personal style have evolved, influenced by her love for fashion and music. “I’ve loved fashion and music since I was very young, but I never really had the resources when I was growing up to access the things that I personally liked. Now, I’m able to play around more and get the pieces and wear the things that I’ve always wanted to wear, so I’m enjoying that as well.”
Musically, Tyla’s goal has always been to take African sounds to the world. By blending pop, R&B, afrobeats, and amapiano, she has crafted a unique sound that resonates with a global audience. “All those years of trying, making terrible songs, making okay songs, brought me to this point where I feel like I’ve made a sound that I’m happy bringing to the world.”
As Tyla continues to break boundaries and redefine the music scene, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere. With her innovative sound and unwavering dedication, there’s no doubt that Tyla’s star will continue to shine brightly on the global stage.
