Exploring Tyla’s Musical Journey: Key Career Highlights and Timeline

Tyla Laura Seethal, professionally recognized as Tyla, achieved her breakout moment in 2023 with the release of her vibrant pop anthem, Water. The 22-year-old South African singer has also been pivotal in popularizing Popiano—a unique fusion of Amapiano and pop music genres.

In a candid interview with Elle Magazine, published in September 2024, Tyla reflected on her innovative sonic journey:

“When amapiano would come on, we would see everybody’s moves just change. Seeing the energy of it…it felt so spiritual.”

She elaborated:

“I always wanted to mix it with other styles that I enjoy, like R&B and pop—and make it my own.”

Tyla kickstarted her music career by covering popular tracks from artists like Justin Bieber on her social media channels, quickly accumulating a vast following due to her infectious sound and compelling stage presence. Her distinct and experimental approach led her to win a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance at the 2024 ceremony, marking her as the youngest recipient of this honor.

Her accolades also include two BET Awards, a Metro FM Music Award, three iHeartRadio Music Awards, and four South African Music Awards, among others.

From Social Media Covers to Making Grammy History: The Musical Journey of Tyla

1) 2019 to 2022: First Single, Getting Late, and Epic Records Signing

Tyla commenced her musical journey by sharing song covers on her Instagram and YouTube. In October 2019, she launched her first single, Getting Late, which highlighted her innovative blend of Amapiano and pop. This track featured Kooldrink and presented a narrative of love through compelling lyrics:

“Baby, I know it’s getting late/ And you don’t wanna wait/ But I won’t waste your time and I/ Baby, and I want you to know.”

The accompanying music video, released in January 2021, garnered millions of views, establishing Tyla’s popularity in South Africa and leading to her signing with Epic Records in May 2021.

Following her debut single’s success, Tyla released Overdue in October 2021 and To Last in November 2022. Getting Late was nominated for the Best Music Video of the Year at the 2022 South African Music Awards.

2) 2023: Been Thinking Release, Dolce & Gabbana Performance, Under the Influence Tour

Tyla’s ascent to international fame was marked by the release of the single, Been Thinking, in January 2023. This Amapiano and pop-infused disco track became her first song to chart on Billboard, debuting at number 36 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, number 43 on the US Afrobeats Songs, and number 27 on the US Rhythmic charts.

Pitchfork described Been Thinking as a:

“Slick club anthem that channels the seductive pop-R&B hits of mid-2000s Ciara and Rihanna.”

In February 2023, Tyla graced her first international performance at the Dolce & Gabbana afterparty during Milan Fashion Week.

She then toured as an opening act for Chris Brown’s Under the Influence Tour, which commenced in Ireland in February 2022 and concluded in Jamaica in August 2023. Tyla recounted the exciting news of joining the tour during an October 2023 interview with Billboard:

“I was at Tricky Stewart’s Grammy party and the head of the label, Sylvia Rhone, came to me and asked me, ‘Do [you] want to open for Chris Brown on his Europe tour?’ I didn’t even know what to do. I was like, ‘What?’ I wasn’t even sure I was hearing her correctly. Obviously, I was like, ‘Yes’.”

In May 2023, Tyla collaborated with Nigerian singer-songwriter Ayra Starr for the single, Girl Next Door, which peaked at number 35 on the US Afrobeats Songs chart after its release.

Following the success of her previous singles, the chart-topping track Water was released in July 2023, accompanied by a viral dance challenge that propelled the song into the top ten charts across countries such as the US and the UK.

Tyla became the first and youngest South African artist in 55 years—after Hugh Masekela—to appear on the US Billboard Hot 100. The music video for Water was launched in October 2023 and quickly accumulated 3 million views on YouTube within three days. She also collaborated with Summer Walker on Girls Need Love in October 2023.

3) 2024: Making History at the Grammy Awards, Debut Album Release, and Award Wins

At the 2024 Grammy Awards, Tyla became the first recipient of the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance with her hit Water, also marking her as the youngest African to secure a Grammy.

Her debut self-titled album was released in March 2024 and features collaborations with artists such as Tems, Becky G, Gunna, Skillibeng, and Travis Scott. The album includes standout tracks like Water, Truth or Dare, Art, Jump, and Breathe Me. Notably, Truth or Dare climbed to number 4 on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and topped the UK Afrobeats chart.

Additionally, the single Jump, blending Afrobeats, dancehall, and hip hop with features from Gunna and Skillibeng, reached number 1 on the UK Afrobeats chart and number 6 on the US World Digital Song Sales chart.

Tyla’s debut album received positive acclaim from critics, who praised her for melding Afrobeats, Amapiano, pop, and R&B while honoring her South African roots. The album achieved a peak position of number 24 on the US Billboard 200 and number 2 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

During her Billboard interview, Tyla shared her enthusiasm for the growing popularity of Amapiano music originating from her homeland, which she skillfully incorporates into her pop and R&B tracks:

“I honestly feel like it’s going to be the next biggest thing in dance music. It’s going to be playing in all of the raves, all of the festivals. I feel like ‘piano is really going to take over that whole world.”

Tyla was honored with the most awards at the 2024 BET Awards alongside Usher and Victoria Monet in Los Angeles, where she also performed her hit song Jump. The 22-year-old artist also won the Best Afrobeats Video Award at the MTV Music Video Awards on September 12, 2024.

Although the Tyla tour was initially set to occur from March to May 2024, it was canceled due to the singer’s injury. However, she has been updating fans about her recovery and is slated to perform at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in October 2024.

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