Tyla, the South African artist taking the global music scene by storm, is the cover star of British Vogue’s March 2025 issue. The magazine describes her as “music’s most intoxicating new mononym,” with her viral lyrics, infectious dance routines, and show-stopping fashion. As she adjusts to life as the queen of popiano (a fusion of pop and amapiano), British Vogue’s Funmi Fetto traveled from London to Tyla’s hometown of Johannesburg to uncover the story of a 23-year-old on the brink of worldwide domination.
“You know when you’ve always felt like you’re destined for something? That you’re going to make it one day? But then when it actually happens… It’s like something you can’t explain. It doesn’t feel real,” Tyla shares with Fetto, reflecting on her rise to fame.
Tyla’s passion for music began in her childhood. Growing up in Johannesburg as the second of four siblings, Tyla was surrounded by diverse cultural influences from her Zulu, Indian, Mauritian, and Irish heritage. She recalls that the music of Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, Beyoncé, and Britney Spears soundtracked her early years, but it was Rihanna who truly inspired her. “Coming from somewhere outside the States, I really looked up to her,” Tyla says. “I used to think you’re only going to become famous if you’re born in America. She made me realize there is another way.”
From an early age, Tyla sang everywhere: at home, in competitions, on talent shows, and even on Instagram. It was the latter that caught the attention of photographer and music producer Garth von Glehn in 2019. He introduced her to manager Colin Gayle, and after meeting with him, Tyla recorded her first song. “So I met him – my parents came with me – and I recorded my first song that day,” she recalls. Her dedication was unwavering: “I was literally going between school and the studio… I knew this is what I wanted to do.”
After creating the video for her first single, “Getting Late,” Tyla’s career took off. The success of the video, particularly in South Africa and across Africa, convinced her parents that she was serious about her music. “That video went… up,” she says, signaling upward. “From there, I showed my parents that I was serious about this and that it was possible.” Tyla’s determination paid off in 2021 when she signed with Epic Records, launching her international career.
Though she faced the challenges of balancing school and music, Tyla remained focused. She describes her parents as “very protective” and recalls how they always looked out for her. Despite her “street-smart” approach to navigating the music world, she took care to avoid risky situations, saying, “Even before ‘Water,’ I would never go to the studio alone.” Tyla’s family, particularly her siblings, is highly supportive of her career. “Whitney, my older sister, is always posting on social media, like a proud mum,” Tyla laughs. “My younger brother, Tyrese, finds it all too dramatic. He doesn’t want to take pictures with me!” Tyla’s younger sister, Sydney, is thoroughly enjoying the perks of her fame, accompanying her to events and taking full advantage of her sister’s success.
Tyla is also adjusting to life in New York, where she spends more time now. “It’s very different,” she says. “Sometimes I just miss having the sun and a yard and all my family around. So I love my sister being with me. She’s like a piece of home.”
In the summer of 2024, Tyla’s star continued to rise when Pharrell Williams invited her to perform at the Prelude to the Paris Olympics at Fondation Louis Vuitton. She recalls being excited to meet the iconic producer, and her mother humorously urged her not to forget to send her regards. Later that year, Tyla made her debut at the Met Gala in a stunning sand-colored dress designed by Olivier Rousteing of Balmain. The two made headlines when Rousteing cut the dress’s hem on the red carpet, stealing the spotlight. “Tyla pushes the boundaries of music in a similar way that I push the boundaries of fashion with Balmain,” Rousteing said. “I could not think of a better woman to wear this look.”
Fashion has become another avenue for Tyla to express herself. She enjoys the process of “playing dress-up” and admits that wearing heels makes her feel more like a diva. She collaborates closely with designers like Thebe Magugu, a fellow South African, to create looks that are unique to her style. “Tyla has so much fun with fashion,” says Magugu. “She takes my collections and completely twists, tucks, cuts, and transforms them into something only Tyla can pull off.”
Tyla’s influence goes beyond fashion; she represents a cultural renaissance for South Africa. “She unapologetically showcases – even boasts – about our culture,” Magugu adds. “It’s a beautiful reminder to use where you are from as fuel to push you further, not something to hide so you can assimilate.” Tyla herself feels immense pride in representing South Africa globally. “After everything we have been through, it’s such an amazing feeling,” she says.
However, Tyla’s journey hasn’t been without controversy. At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, she handed her award for Best Afrobeats to Lil Nas X, citing its weight as the reason for needing his help. Her actions were criticized, with some calling her entitled. Tyla reflects on the moment: “When people were telling me I’m entitled, I was very confused because I was just asking Lil Nas, who is a friend, to help me hold it while I was giving the speech. Guys, those awards are very heavy!” Her comments about the award’s “bittersweet” nature and her disappointment in the organizers for grouping all African artists under the Afrobeats category sparked further backlash. “Afrobeats is the reason we are even getting recognised,” Tyla explains. “It’s a genre that broke down many doors. I was just feeling a certain way about it because it is the only African category, and it takes away from both Afrobeats and amapiano.”
Despite the criticism, Tyla remains resolute in her mission to represent the diverse musical landscape of Africa. “It’s about showing the world that African music is more than just one genre,” she says. “It’s a movement, and we’re all part of it.”
