Tyla
Tyla Laura Seethal, known as Tyla, hails from Johannesburg, South Africa, with a rich lineage spanning Xhosa, Zulu, Indian, Mauritian, and Irish cultures. Her musical journey commenced through Instagram postings and sending her compositions to industry figures, eventually catching the attention of her first manager, Garth von Glehn. Despite initially pursuing mining engineering, Tyla pivoted to music full-time, a decision that marked the beginning of her rise to prominence.
Her debut single, “Getting Late,” featuring Kooldrink, catapulted her to national recognition after its release in late 2019. The accompanying music video, filmed intermittently during pandemic lockdowns, gained millions of views on YouTube and earned a nomination for Music Video of the Year at the South African Music Awards in 2022. Tyla’s subsequent singles, “Overdue” and “To Last,” continued to showcase her talent and set the stage for her global breakthrough.
The turning point arrived with her 2023 performance at the Dolce & Gabbana afterparty at Milan Fashion Week, following the release of “Been Thinking.” This marked the beginning of her chart success, with singles like “Girl Next Door” featuring Ayra Starr and the viral sensation “Water.” “Water” became a global hit, entering the top 10 in multiple countries and making history as the first song by a South African soloist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years. Tyla’s magnetic stage presence led her to perform on renowned shows like The Bianca Show in Sweden and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in the US.
The music video for “Water” garnered millions of views within days of its release, showcasing Tyla’s influence and popularity. Her collaborations, such as the remix of Summer Walker’s “Girls Need Love,” further solidified her place in the music industry. As she gears up for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, nominated for Best African Music Performance with “Water,” Tyla’s journey continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying her as a rising star in the global music scene.