Tyla is a South African singer and songwriter who has taken the world by storm with her unique blend of R&B, pop, and amapiano music. She is the first South African soloist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years and the winner of the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024. In this article, we will explore her biography, family, net worth, career, and achievements, as well as answer some frequently asked questions about her.

Early Life and Education

Tyla was born on 30 January 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa, into a Coloured family of Zulu, Indian, Mauritian, and Irish descent. Her birth name is Tyla Laura Seethal. She grew up in a musical household, as her father was a DJ and her mother was a singer. She started singing at the age of three and writing songs at the age of seven. She was influenced by artists such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Drake, and Aaliyah.

She attended Edenglen High School, where she was the head of culture in 2019. She was also a good student who excelled in mathematics and science. She graduated from high school in 2019 and enrolled in a degree in mining engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand. However, she dropped out after one year to pursue her music career full time.

Music Career

2019–2022: Getting Late and National Success

Tyla’s music career began in 2019, when she released her debut single, Getting Late, featuring production from Kooldrink. The song was a fusion of R&B and amapiano, a South African genre of house music. The song became a national hit, reaching the top 10 on several radio and streaming charts. The music video, which was filmed by her manager Garth von Glehn during the COVID-19 lockdowns, was released in January 2021 and gained millions of views on YouTube. The video was nominated for Music Video of the Year at the 28th South African Music Awards in 2022.

Tyla signed a recording contract with Epic Records in the United States in May 2021, through a joint venture with Fax Records, a South African label. She became the first South African artist to sign with Epic Records since Brenda Fassie in 1996. She then released two more singles, Overdue in October 2021 and To Last in November 2022, which showcased her versatility and vocal range.

2023–Present: Water, International Breakthrough, and Debut Album

Tyla’s international breakthrough came in 2023, with the release of her single, Water, which was the lead single from her self-titled debut album. The song was a catchy and upbeat pop song with elements of R&B and amapiano. The song was a global smash, entering the top 10 in 16 countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. It was the first song by a South African soloist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years, since Miriam Makeba’s Pata Pata in 1967. The song also became the first song by an African artist to reach number one on the Spotify Global Top 50 chart. The song was praised by critics and fans alike for its infectious melody, catchy lyrics, and Tyla’s charismatic vocals.

The music video for Water, which was directed by Colin Tilley, was released in July 2023 and featured Tyla in various colorful and exotic settings, such as a desert, a jungle, a pool, and a beach. The video also featured cameo appearances by celebrities such as Chris Brown, Drake, Rihanna, and Beyoncé, who were all fans of Tyla’s music. The video was nominated for Video of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2024.

Tyla’s debut album, Tyla, was released on 22 March 2024, and featured 12 tracks, including Water, as well as collaborations with artists such as Ayra Starr, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Doja Cat, and Justin Bieber. The album was a critical and commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, making Tyla the first South African artist to achieve this feat. The album also topped the charts in several other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Nigeria. The album received rave reviews from critics, who praised Tyla’s versatility, creativity, and talent. The album was also nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 2025.

Tyla embarked on her first world tour, the Tyla World Tour, in April 2024, which spanned across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. The tour was a sold-out success, with Tyla performing to millions of fans in stadiums and arenas. The tour also featured guest appearances by some of the biggest names in music, such as Ed Sheeran, Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, and Taylor Swift.

Tyla also performed at some of the most prestigious events and shows in the music industry, such as the Super Bowl Halftime Show, the Coachella Festival, the Glastonbury Festival, and the MTV Video Music Awards. She also appeared on several popular TV shows and magazines, such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Vogue, and Time.

Tyla’s most notable achievement was winning the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for Water in 2024, making her the first South African artist to win a Grammy Award in any category. She also became the youngest artist to win this award, at the age of 22. She dedicated her award to her fans, her family, and her country, and thanked them for their support and love.

Personal Life and Relationships

Tyla is very private about her personal life and relationships, and prefers to keep them out of the public eye. She has not confirmed or denied any rumors about her dating status, and has said that she is focused on her music and career. She has, however, been linked to some of her fellow musicians, such as Kooldrink, Ayra Starr, and Justin Bieber, but none of these relationships have been confirmed by either party.

Tyla is very close to her family, especially her parents, who have supported her throughout her journey. She also has a younger brother, who is also interested in music. Tyla often posts pictures and videos of her family on her social media accounts, and expresses her gratitude and love for them.

Tyla is also very passionate about social causes and issues, such as education, women’s rights, racial justice, and environmental protection. She has used her platform and influence to raise awareness and funds for various charities and organizations, such as UNICEF, Save the Children, Amnesty International, and Greenpeace. She has also participated in several campaigns and events, such as the Global Citizen Festival, the One Campaign, and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Tyla’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million as of 2024, according to various sources. She has earned most of her income from her music sales, streaming royalties, live performances, and endorsements. She has also signed lucrative deals with brands such as Adidas, Fenty Beauty, and Pepsi, which have boosted her earnings and exposure. She has also invested some of her money in real estate and stocks, as well as in her label, Tyla World, which she launched in 2024.

Awards and Nominations

Tyla has won several awards and nominations for her music and achievements, both nationally and internationally. Some of the most notable ones are:

– Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for Water in 2024 (won)

– MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year for Water in 2024 (nominated)

– BRIT Award for International Female Solo Artist in 2024 (nominated)

– Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist in 2024 (nominated)

– MOBO Award for Best African Act in 2024 (nominated)

– South African Music Award for Music Video of the Year for Getting Late in 2022 (nominated)

– African Entertainment Award USA for Best Female Artist in 2023 (won)

Conclusion

Tyla is a South African singer and songwriter who has risen to fame with her unique blend of R&B, pop, and amapiano music. She is the first South African soloist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years and the winner of the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024. She has been released.