South African Sensation Tyla: From TikTok Stardom to Global Pop Icon

[Tyla/Capital News]

Written by Pharis Kinyua

In a world where music transcends boundaries and cultures, South African musician Tyla, often heralded as the next big global pop star, has emerged as a captivating embodiment of talent, perseverance, and creativity. Her meteoric rise from the realm of TikTok stardom to the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 is a testament to the boundless potential of artists and their capacity to influence the global music landscape.

Tyla's musical journey, anchored in the sultry sounds of amapiano, a genre blending deep house, gospel-infused keyboards, and traditional percussion, has sent shockwaves across the world, firmly establishing her as a rising star. Often compared to the likes of international pop sensations Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga, Tyla is steadily crafting her own path to superstardom, paving the way for her unique blend of musical artistry.

The moment that solidified Tyla's potential as the heir to pop's throne was her electrifying performance at Milan Fashion Week's after-party concert in February. Clad in a black leather dress famously worn by Lady Gaga in the "Paparazzi" music video, she left an indelible impression on the fashion capital's elite. Her musical prowess, combined with her impeccable style, beckoned the attention of not only the fashion world but also some of the industry's most influential names, including Kim Kardashian and reggaeton star J Balvin.

But it wasn't just the fashion world that recognized Tyla's potential. Soon after her Milan Fashion Week triumph, she embarked on a European tour alongside the illustrious singer Chris Brown, demonstrating the global resonance of her music.

Taking center stage at the Big Slap Festival in Malmo, Sweden, Tyla performed her hits "Been Thinking" and "Getting Late" to a captivated audience. Her enchanting vocals and seamless choreography, accompanied by her talented backing dancers, solidified her reputation as a powerhouse performer on the international stage.

Born in Johannesburg, Tyla's journey from aspiring artist to global sensation is a testament to her dedication and relentless pursuit of her dreams. Her musical roots can be traced back to her early days, as she competed in song challenges on Musical.ly, a social media app that would later evolve into TikTok. Her growing online presence eventually led to a management deal and a studio session with Johannesburg producer Kooldrink.

The result of that collaboration was her 2019 debut single, "Getting Late." This hypnotic amapiano track captured the essence of the genre and helped introduce it to listeners outside South Africa.

Tyla recalls, "I recorded that song while I was still in high school. Every day was the same—I went to school, and every weekend, I would be in the studio recording music. It was very hectic but exciting at the same time. 'Getting Late' was one of those songs that we created in the studio, and it just felt good, and we knew that we had to release it. That song changed my life."

The impact of "Getting Late" was profound. Tyla not only signed with the major US label Epic Records but also captured the attention of Tricky Stewart, a US producer renowned for his work with artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Mariah Carey. Tyla's collaboration with Stewart resulted in the creation of "Been Thinking," a club hit that elegantly fuses amapiano's subtle grooves with polished pop melodies.

Tyla believes that her distinctive sound has the potential to redefine the amapiano genre and reach new heights. She points to the example of Afrobeat, which expanded its global footprint by blending various genres such as R&B and pop.

"I think amapiano can also reach that level if we keep trying new things because the music is open enough to try that," she remarks.


As Tyla's star continues to rise, the world is paying attention to her unique blend of music and the vibrant cultural tapestry of South Africa. Her historic debut on the Billboard Hot 100 with the viral hit "Water" is not just a personal milestone but also a representation of the collective power of artists from the continent.

"Water" is the first solo song by a South African artist to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 since the iconic jazz legend Hugh Masekela's "Grazing in the Grass" more than five decades ago. At the tender age of 21, Tyla is now South Africa's youngest musician to grace this esteemed chart. The Billboard Hot 100, which ranks the top music across various genres, is the most revered music ranking chart in the US, published weekly.

Tyla's meteoric rise to international acclaim can be traced back to her decision to share her dance videos on TikTok, sparking a viral sensation around "Water." The song's unique blend of genres, including Afrobeats, pop, R&B, and amapiano, captured the imaginations of music lovers around the world. Tyla's magnetic presence on TikTok inspired the "water dance challenge," generating over 500,000 videos on the app.

The dance challenge not only introduced the world to the South African Bacardi dance routine but also popularized it on a global scale. This dance routine was crafted by South African choreographer Lee-ché Janecke.