In 2021, Tyla signed her first record label deal with Epic off the back of her hit single “Getting Late,” featuring Kooldrink. During that time, it was hard to imagine where Tyla’s career would have gone in the space of 3 years. One person did, however, and that was Tyla herself.

From the very beginning, Tyla always backed herself to become the global superstar she is today. Her journey started from humble beginnings in Johannesburg, where Tyla was introduced to R&B by her dad. Tyla then spent hours honing her voice at home and even singing with her siblings on Sundays, which became a weekly tradition.

When Tyla signed to Epic, Chairwoman and CEO of Epic Records Sylvia Rhone had this to say about Tyla: “Tyla has all the qualities of a true career superstar. At the same time, there’s never been an artist quite like her. She’s become a star in Africa on her own terms, and now she’s going to redefine the sound of pop music worldwide.” These words from Sylvia served as a prophecy which came into fulfillment when Tyla won her first Grammy at the age of 21 for the best African Music performance in 2024.

Outside of her Grammy award, Tyla has earned nominations for the following awards: a BRIT Award, a Soul Train Music Award, a MOBO Award, and two South African Music Awards. Long before her Grammy award, Tyla grew up in an area of Johannesburg called Edenvale. Tyla, being one of five children, was always surrounded by music. Ever since she was a little girl, Tyla knew that she wanted to be a singer.

In an interview with Jade Kelly for Breakroom Africa in 2021, Tyla shared about her sound going forward: “As for my sound going forward, my voice is very Pop and R&B, so I plan to fuse that with different genres—not only Amapiano.” She shared, which ended up being what her debut album sounded like three years later.

The 22nd of March 2024 would be timestamped in Tyla’s legacy as the day she released her debut album titled “Tyla.” The album comes as one of the most highly anticipated projects in a while, not just in Africa but globally, as two of the most popular genres of music meet—Amapiano and R&B sprinkled with features from Hip-hop artist Gunna and Reggae artist Skillibeng. The project has 14 tracks, which in total has a runtime of 38 minutes, offering great replay value for any setting and occasion.

Upon first listen, a few songs stand out as clear fan favorites. “Safer” is the second song on the album and gives listeners a teaser of what they can expect on the rest of the album. Infusing all the good elements of both Pop and Amapaino in what proved to be the story of the album. A feature with Tems was always going to stand out. Their song titled “No.1” appeared as the 5th song on “Tyla,” and it will be dominating the charts with an infectious chorus from Tyla: “Okay, I’m leaving tonight, Okay, I’m good in my life, I gotta put me number one, No compromising, Free from your grip in the world, Feel like a million girl, I gotta put me number one.”

When the tracklist for “Tyla” first surfaced online, Gunna and Skillibeng were listed as features on the album. Some would even say surprisingly. However, Tyla effortlessly integrates Gunna and Skillibeng into her infused Amapiano and Pop world on the 9th song “Jump.” The song is produced by Sammy Soso. With seasoned artists featured on her song, Tyla makes her presence known with her opening verse: “They never had a pretty girl from Joburg See me now, and that’s what they prefer I don’t touch no wheel ’cause I gotta chauffeur First class how I get ’round the world, Just miss me with the drama unless ya comin’ with the commas Double it up, Oh, DJ turn the sound up ’cause we ’bout to pour the rounds up Tell ’em double it up.”

Tyla stands as the highest-charting African female artist on the Billboard Hot 100. Her self-titled project will only continue to grow her stature in the music industry as Tyla continues her quest to becoming the biggest pop artist in the world.

In conclusion, Tyla’s journey from Johannesburg to global recognition exemplifies perseverance, talent, and a visionary spirit. From her early days singing with family to her ground-breaking debut album “Tyla,” she has consistently pushed boundaries and defied expectations. With accolades such
as a Grammy win and nominations for prestigious awards, Tyla’s impact on the music industry is undeniable. As she continues to evolve her sound and expand her reach, Tyla stands poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of pop music, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer and inspiring generations to come.