If you’re wondering who the groundbreaking star capturing the world’s attention is, here is everything you need to know about Tyla.
1. She Made Global History with “Water”
Source: Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Before she was booked for the World Cup festivities, Tyla became an overnight household name thanks to her July 2023 smash hit single, “Water.”
The sultry, infectious track sparked a massive, viral TikTok dance challenge that captured the attention of millions worldwide. “Water” rapidly climbed into the top 10 of the US Billboard Hot 100, making Tyla the first South African solo artist to enter the chart in 55 years.
2. She is an Multi-Grammy Winner
Source: Leon Bennett/Getty Images for NAACP
Tyla isn’t just a viral internet wonder; she has the hardware to back up the hype. At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, she took home the inaugural trophy for Best African Music Performance for “Water.”
Proving she was no one-hit wonder, she followed it up by winning the exact same category again at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards for her hit “Push 2 Start.” She is currently the youngest African artist in history to win a Grammy.
What is “Popiano”?
Tyla describes her signature musical style as “popiano”—a seamless fusion of Western pop, R&B, and amapiano (a popular South African electronic dance music genre rooted in house, jazz, and deep baselines that originated in the mid-2010s).
3. Her Background and Roots
Source: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Born Tyla Laura Seethal on January 30, 2002, the 24-year-old singer was raised in a culturally rich, musical household in Johannesburg, South Africa. She grew up listening to global pop icons like Michael Jackson and Rihanna alongside local South African genres.
She has spoken openly about her multiethnic heritage—which includes Zulu, Indian, Mauritian, and Irish roots—and proud South African upbringing, often using her massive global platform to shine a spotlight on African dance styles and creators.
4. What’s Next For The Star?
Source: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Glamour
With her self-titled debut album already a critical and commercial success, Tyla is showing no signs of slowing down. She is currently gearing up for the highly anticipated release of her second studio album, A*Pop, which is scheduled to drop later this summer.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering her unique sound during today’s World Cup celebrations, one thing is completely undeniable: Tyla is the future of global pop.
