Tyla: South Africa's Grammy-Winning Trailblazer

Meet Tyla Laura Seethal, the dynamic force from Johannesburg who has not only conquered the South African music scene but has also etched her name in Grammy history. Born on January 30, 2002, Tyla's meteoric rise from high school performer to Grammy Award-winning artist is a testament to her unparalleled talent and cultural fusion. 

Early Life

Tyla, with her roots in a Coloured family of Zulu, Indian, Mauritian, and Irish descent, discovered her passion for music during her high school years. Matriculating from Edenglen High School in 2019, she initially pursued a degree in mining engineering before wholeheartedly committing to her musical aspirations. Tyla's early foray into the industry involved sharing her original songs and covers on Instagram, ultimately catching the attention of her first manager, Garth von Glehn.


Career Beginnings (2019–2022)

In 2019, Tyla unveiled her debut single, "Getting Late," featuring Kooldrink, a production that garnered national acclaim. The accompanying music video, released in 2021, became a viral sensation, amassing millions of views on YouTube and earning a nomination for Music Video of the Year at the 28th South African Music Awards. This success paved the way for her signing with Epic Records in May 2021, solidifying her presence on the international music scene.

Tyla continued to make waves with subsequent singles, including "Overdue" (October 2021) and "To Last" (November 2022), showcasing her evolving musical prowess.


International Breakthrough (2023–present)

Tyla's international breakthrough came with the release of her 2023 single, "Water," a chart-topping hit that entered the top ten in sixteen countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. This marked a historic moment, as Tyla became the first South African soloist in 55 years to enter the US Billboard Hot 100. The song not only spawned a viral dance challenge on TikTok but also earned her the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024 triumphing over notable artists like Davido, Ayra Starr, Asake, Burna Boy, Olamide, and Musa Keys.

The journey continued with her debut studio album, self-titled "Tyla," scheduled for release on March 22, 2024. The album is anticipated to showcase the diversity of Tyla's musical talent.


Notable Performances and Collaborations

Tyla's prowess extends beyond the studio, as she graced international stages, including a performance at the Dolce & Gabbana afterparty at Milan Fashion Week. Collaborations with artists like Ayra Starr and a remix with Travis Scott further solidified her position as a global music icon.


Awards and Nominations

Tyla has not only conquered the charts with her infectious tunes but has also been recognized with a plethora of prestigious awards and nominations. Notably, Tyla made history at the 66th Grammy Awards in 2024, winning the coveted Best African Music Performance for her chart-topping single "Water." Her astounding achievements extend beyond the Grammy stage, with accolades such as the Best Female Artist at the African Entertainment Awards USA in 2023 and a nomination for Music Video of the Year at the South African Music Awards in 2022 for her debut single "Getting Late" featuring Kooldrink. Tyla's style and stage presence have also earned her the title of Most Stylish Performing Artist at the South African Style Awards in 2024. As the accolades continue to pour in, including a pending nomination for International Song at the BRIT Awards in 2024, Tyla's impact on the global music scene remains undeniable, solidifying her as a multi-award-winning musical sensation.


Tyla's journey from a high school enthusiast to a Grammy-winning artist exemplifies dedication, talent, and a unique blend of cultural influences. As fans eagerly anticipate the release of her debut album, Tyla's impact on the global music scene is undoubtedly set to grow, solidifying her status as South Africa's rising star. Stay tuned for more captivating melodies and groundbreaking achievements from the incomparable Tyla.





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