Grammy Winner Tyla Drops Debut Album in Major Milestone
South African singer-songwriter Tyla has just launched her debut album, “TYLA,” hot on the heels of her recent Grammy win. At just 22 years old, Tyla has already made waves in the music industry, reaching the top 10 on the U.S. Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and the top 5 in Britain with her amapiano hit “Water.” Amapiano is a genre that blends house, jazz, and log drums, originating from South Africa.
Tyla’s album, comprising 15 tracks, is a reflection of her diverse influences. She collaborated with renowned artists such as U.S. rapper Travis Scott and Nigerian singer Tems, creating a fusion of pop, R&B, amapiano, and Afrobeats.
In an interview with Reuters, Tyla expressed her satisfaction with the album’s sound, describing it as a “melting pot” of the music she grew up with. Her Grammy win, where she clinched the inaugural best African music performance award, is a testament to the global popularity of Afrobeats and other African music genres, aided by platforms like TikTok.
Tyla’s breakout hit, “Water,” gained immense traction on TikTok, with users worldwide participating in the #WaterChallenge by sharing videos of themselves dancing to the song. Tyla acknowledges the platform’s role in amplifying the reach of African music, particularly amapiano, which previously had limited international exposure.
Recently, Tyla shared a video of herself and BLACKPINK’s Lisa listening to her album. When asked about a potential collaboration with the K-pop star, Tyla revealed that they have discussed working together, hinting at a future collaboration.
Tyla’s success not only highlights her talent but also underscores the global appeal of African music. With her diverse sound and international collaborations, she is poised to continue making an impact on the global music scene.
