In this article, we explore 22 intriguing insights into the life of Tyla, the 22-year-old musical sensation and Grammy Award winner who has unquestionably left her imprint.
As Tyla’s career blossoms with each new achievement, her trajectory in the music world becomes increasingly captivating, marked by innovation, collaboration, and limitless creativity. While her chart-topping single “Water” has garnered her widespread recognition, Tyla’s Grammy-winning talent extends far beyond this one hit.
1. Tyla’s Real Name
The singer’s real name is Tyla Laura Seethal.
2. Age
She turned 22 recently as she marked her birthday on 30th January.
3. Birthplace
Originating from the vibrant city of Johannesburg, Tyla’s roots lie deep in South Africa’s rich musical soil.
4. Ethnicity
Tyla’s ancestry is a colorful blend of Indian, Zulu, Mauritian, and Irish heritage, reflecting the diversity of her music.
5. Family
Tyla is the middle child of five siblings born to Sharleen and Sherwin Seethal, a multi-racial, middle-class couple from South Africa.
6. Education
Having completed her education at Edenglen High School in 2019, Tyla initially pursued mining engineering before her passion for music took center stage.
7. Musical Influences
Tyla recalls her upbringing encompassing a diverse array of genres including Afrobeats, amapiano, house, and Kwaito, all prevalent in her homeland. Additionally, she noted the prevalence of R&B and pop music in her household, expressing admiration for various artists within these genres. When reflecting on her American influences, she specifically emphasized her profound admiration for performers such as Michael Jackson, Rihanna, and Aaliyah.
8. Other Talents
In an interview with Notion, Tyla revealed that when she is not working on music, she enjoys painting and drawing.
9. Social Media Stardom
Before entering the music scene, Tyla had already established herself as a familiar face on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. “I practically grew up on social media,” she reminisces. “Around the age of 12 or 13, I would sneakily borrow my father’s phone to create social media accounts. Despite being underage, I was drawn to the creative aspect of sharing pictures and crafting videos on platforms like musical.ly.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tyla’s talent for dance routines and song covers garnered her a substantial following on TikTok, with her current fan base exceeding 6.5 million followers.
10. Discovery Story
She initiated her musical journey by sharing original compositions and cover songs on her Instagram account, while also reaching out to several notable figures in the music industry. It was through this effort that she caught the attention of her first manager, Garth von Glehn, marking the beginning of her professional career.
11. Debut Single
In late 2019, she unveiled her debut track, “Getting Late,” featuring Kooldrink. The song swiftly gained popularity in her homeland of South Africa, with its accompanying music video rapidly accumulating millions of views.
12. First Record Deal
Following the domestic success of her debut single she secured a record deal with Epic Records in the United States through a joint venture with Fax Records in 2021.
13. Chris Brown Tour
She joined Chris Brown as a supporting act on tour, being announced in February as part of the lineup for his Under the Influence European tour.
14. Dream Collaborations
During her interview with i-D, Tyla shared her aspirations for collaborations, mentioning Drake and Doja Cat as artists she dreams of working with. Additionally, she expressed her desire to collaborate with DJ Khaled in the future. In terms of African collaborations, she has previously singled out Rema as an artist she would love to collaborate with.
15. Been Thinking
Released on January 27, 2023, “Been Thinking” marked a significant milestone for Tyla, securing her first chart positions on the Billboard Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Rhythmic Airplay charts.
16. Industry Bestie
In May 2023, she unveiled her single “Girl Next Door,” featuring Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, her industry friend. The bond between these two divas is evident through their mutual support on social media and frequent time spent together.
17. Water
In July 2023, she unveiled “Water” as the lead single from her anticipated debut extended play. Following a viral dance challenge on TikTok, the track swiftly ascended the charts, securing positions in the top 10 in New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Notably, it claimed the number one spot on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.
18. Viral Dance Challenge
Water sparked its own TikTok challenge, initiated by Tyla herself. She kickstarted the trend by sharing clips of her electrifying performances of the hit song on stage, garnering millions of views. The dance routine draws inspiration from the Bacardi style, a dance form originating in South Africa, which stems from the amapiano music sub-genre. The original routine, now gaining widespread popularity, was crafted by Tyla’s choreographer, Lee-ché Janecke.
19. Billboard Hot 100 Entry
Tyla achieved a significant milestone as she landed her inaugural Billboard Hot 100 hit with “Water.” Debuting at number 67, this achievement marks Tyla as the youngest South African artist ever and the first soloist from South Africa in 55 years to secure a spot on the prestigious US Billboard Hot 100, a feat last accomplished by Hugh Masekela with “Grazing in the Grass” in 1968.
20. Grammy History
She holds the distinction of being the youngest African ever to win a Grammy Award. Additionally, she made history by becoming the inaugural recipient of the newly introduced Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, where her song “Water” triumphed.
21. Other Awards
In addition to her Grammy Award, she has received nominations for a Soul Train Music Award, a BRITs Award, and two South African Music Awards.
22. Tyla’s Debut album
“Tyla” marks the highly anticipated debut studio album from South African singer Tyla. Set for release on March 22, 2024, under Fax and Epic Records, the album has been preceded by the singles “Water,” “On and On,” “Truth or Dare,” and “Butterflies. Fans eagerly await Tyla’s debut album, poised to showcase her versatility and distinctive sound.
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