Tyla Laura Seethal, known mononymously as Tyla, is a rising star in the music industry, captivating audiences with her unique blend of pop, R&B, and African influences. Born on 30 January 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tyla has quickly become a global sensation, breaking records and earning prestigious awards at a young age.
Early Life and Family Background Tyla grew up in a diverse family, with roots spanning across Zulu, Irish, Indian, and Mauritian ancestry. Her parents, Sharleen and Sherwin Seethal, recognized and nurtured her passion for music from an early age. As a member of the Coloured community in South Africa, Tyla's upbringing was shaped by a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences, which would later influence her music and artistic vision.
During her time at Edenglen High School, Tyla's talent and dedication shone through. She served as the head of culture in her final year, showcasing her leadership skills and commitment to the arts. Alongside her academic pursuits, Tyla began sharing her original songs and covers on Instagram, catching the attention of industry professionals and laying the foundation for her future success.
Discovery and Early Career Tyla's journey to stardom began when she was discovered by her first manager, Garth von Glehn, who recognized her raw talent and potential. Von Glehn organized recording sessions for Tyla, which she would attend every weekend during her final year of high school, balancing her passion for music with her academic responsibilities.
After matriculating in 2019, Tyla released her debut single, "Getting Late," featuring production from Kooldrink. The song quickly gained national recognition, showcasing Tyla's unique sound and captivating vocals. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Tyla and her manager persevered, filming the accompanying music video intermittently throughout the lockdowns. Released in January 2021, the video amassed millions of views on YouTube and earned Tyla a nomination for Music Video of the Year at the 28th South African Music Awards in 2022.
Pursuing Her Dreams Initially, Tyla had been studying towards a degree in mining engineering. However, her passion for music was undeniable, and with the support of her parents, she made the difficult decision to take a year off from university to focus on her burgeoning music career. This leap of faith paid off when Tyla signed a recording contract with Epic Records through a joint venture with Fax Records in the United States in May 2021.
Tyla continued to release singles, including "Overdue" in October 2021 and "To Last" in November 2022, further establishing her presence in the music industry and garnering a growing fanbase.
International Breakthrough with "Water" Tyla's international breakthrough came in 2023 with the release of her single "Been Thinking." The song earned Tyla her first chart placements on the Billboard Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Rhythmic Airplay charts, showcasing her ability to create infectious, club-ready anthems that resonated with audiences worldwide. Critics praised the track, with Heven Haile of Pitchfork comparing it to the seductive pop-R&B hits of mid-2000s Ciara and Rihanna.
Tyla's rising star caught the attention of established artists, leading to her joining Chris Brown as the opening act for his Under the Influence Tour. This opportunity provided Tyla with invaluable exposure and allowed her to connect with audiences on a global scale.
In May 2023, Tyla released the single "Girl Next Door," featuring Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, further demonstrating her ability to collaborate with international artists and merge different musical styles seamlessly. However, it was the release of "Water" in July 2023 that truly propelled Tyla to international stardom.
"Water" quickly went viral on the social media platform TikTok, spawning a dance challenge that took the world by storm. The song's success translated to the charts, reaching the top 10 in numerous countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Tyla's achievement was particularly significant in her home country, as she became the youngest-ever South African and the first South African soloist in 55 years to enter the US Billboard Hot 100, following Hugh Masekela's "Grazing in the Grass" in 1968.
Tyla's mesmerizing live performances of "Water" on international television shows, such as The Bianca Show in Sweden and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in the United States, further cemented her status as a global sensation. The accompanying music video, released in October 2023, garnered millions of views within days, a testament to Tyla's growing popularity and the song's universal appeal.
Collaborations and Accolades As Tyla's fame continued to rise, she attracted the attention of established artists eager to collaborate with the young sensation. In October 2023, she was featured on a remix version of Summer Walker's "Girls Need Love," as part of Walker's Girls Mix extended play. This collaboration showcased Tyla's versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles while maintaining her unique artistic identity.
On the eve of December 2023, Tyla announced the upcoming release of her highly anticipated debut studio album, Tyla (2024). To build excitement for the project, she simultaneously released three new tracks, "Truth or Dare," "On and On," and "Butterflies," as promotional singles on an extended play of the same name. These songs offered a tantalizing glimpse into the range and depth of Tyla's artistry, further whetting the appetite of her growing fanbase.
Tyla's talent and hard work did not go unnoticed by the music industry. At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2024, she made history by becoming the first person to win the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance with "Water." This achievement also made her the youngest-ever African artist to win a Grammy Award, a remarkable feat that solidified her position as a trailblazer in the global music scene.
Debut Album and Critical Acclaim On 22 March 2024, Tyla released her self-titled debut album via Fax and Epic Records. The album was met with critical acclaim, with music critics praising Tyla's artistic growth, her ability to blend various genres, and the emotional depth of her lyrics. The album showcased Tyla's unique perspective as a young African woman navigating the complexities of love, identity, and success in the modern world.
Tyla's debut album not only solidified her status as a rising star but also earned her numerous accolades and nominations. She received nominations for a BRIT Award, a Soul Train Music Award, a MOBO Award, and two South African Music Awards, further cementing her position as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Artistry and Influences Tyla's music is a reflection of her diverse influences, which range from iconic pop stars like Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, and Rihanna to R&B legends like Aaliyah and Drake. She also draws inspiration from contemporary African artists such as Tems and Wizkid, incorporating elements of their sound into her own unique style.
Tyla's artistry is characterized by her ability to blend pop, R&B, and African musical traditions seamlessly, creating a sound that is both fresh and familiar. Her lyrics often explore themes of love, empowerment, and self-discovery, resonating with listeners across the globe.
Beyond her musical talents, Tyla has expressed her desire to become the first global pop star from Africa. This ambitious goal reflects her determination to break barriers and inspire other young African artists to pursue their dreams on the international stage.
Impact and Future Tyla's meteoric rise to fame has not only captivated audiences worldwide but has also had a significant impact on the music industry. Her success has helped to shine a spotlight on the vibrant and diverse music scene in Africa, encouraging more international collaborations and opening doors for other African artists to gain global recognition.
As Tyla continues to evolve as an artist and make her mark on the music world, there is no doubt that she will continue to break records, win awards, and inspire countless aspiring musicians. Her unique blend of talent, charisma, and cultural heritage positions her as a true pioneer in the industry, and her influence is set to extend far beyond the realm of music.
With her debut album solidifying her status as a global sensation, Tyla's future is undeniably bright. As she continues to push boundaries, experiment with new sounds, and share her unique perspective with the world, Tyla is poised to become one of the most influential and beloved artists of her generation.
Conclusion Tyla Laura Seethal's extraordinary journey from a talented teenager in Johannesburg to a Grammy Award-winning international sensation is a testament to her unwavering dedication, immense talent, and the power of pursuing one's dreams. Her ability to connect with audiences across the globe through her music, which seamlessly blends pop, R&B, and African influences, has made her a true icon in the making.
As Tyla continues to break records, win awards, and captivate audiences with her unique sound and style, she serves as an inspiration to young artists everywhere, particularly those from Africa who aspire to make their mark on the global stage. With her boundless potential and undeniable star power, Tyla is undoubtedly poised to become one of the most influential and beloved artists of her generation, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and the world at large. Thanks for listening to Quiet Please. Remember to like and share wherever you get your podcasts
