Tyla Laura Seethal, known mononymously as Tyla, is a rising star in the music industry, captivating audiences with her unique blend of pop, R&B, and African influences. Born on 30 January 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tyla has quickly become a global sensation, breaking records and earning prestigious awards at a young age.
Early Life and Family Background Tyla grew up in a diverse family, with roots spanning across Zulu, Irish, Indian, and Mauritian ancestry. Her parents, Sharleen and Sherwin Seethal, recognized and nurtured her passion for music from an early age. As a member of the Coloured community in South Africa, Tyla's upbringing was shaped by a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences, which would later influence her music and artistic vision.
During her time at Edenglen High School, Tyla's talent and dedication shone through. She served as the head of culture in her final year, showcasing her leadership skills and commitment to the arts. Alongside her academic pursuits, Tyla began sharing her original songs and covers on Instagram, catching the attention of industry professionals and laying the foundation for her future success.
Discovery and Early Career Tyla's journey to stardom began when she was discovered by her first manager, Garth von Glehn, who recognized her raw talent and potential. Von Glehn organized recording sessions for Tyla, which she would attend every weekend during her final year of high school, balancing her passion for music with her academic responsibilities.
After matriculating in 2019, Tyla released her debut single, "Getting Late," featuring production from Kooldrink. The song quickly gained national recognition, showcasing Tyla's unique sound and captivating vocals. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Tyla and her manager persevered, filming the accompanying music video intermittently throughout the lockdowns. Released in January 2021, the video amassed millions of views on YouTube and earned Tyla a nomination for Music Video of the Year at the 28th South African Music Awards in 2022.
Pursuing Her Dreams Initially, Tyla had been studying towards a degree in mining engineering. However, her passion for music was undeniable, and with the support of her parents, she made the difficult decision to take a year off from university to focus on her burgeoning music career. This leap of faith paid off when Tyla signed a recording contract with Epic Records through a joint venture with Fax Records in the United States in May 2021.
Tyla continued to release singles, including "Overdue" in October 2021 and "To Last" in November 2022, further establishing her presence in the music industry and garnering a growing fanbase.
International Breakthrough with "Water" Tyla's international breakthrough came in 2023 with the release of her single "Been Thinking." The song earned Tyla her first chart placements on the Billboard Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Rhythmic Airplay charts, showcasing her ability to create infectious, club-ready anthems that resonated with audiences worldwide. Critics praised the track, with Heven Haile of Pitchfork comparing it to the seductive pop-R&B hits of mid-2000s Ciara and Rihanna.
Tyla's rising star caught the attention of established artists, leading to her joining Chris Brown as the opening act for his Under the Influence Tour. This opportunity provided Tyla with invaluable exposure and allowed her to connect with audiences on a global scale.
In May 2023, Tyla released the single "Girl Next Door," featuring Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, further demonstrating her ability to collaborate with international artists and merge different musical styles seamlessly. However, it was the release of "Water" in July 2023 that truly propelled Tyla to international stardom.
"Water" quickly went viral on the social media platform TikTok, spawning a dance challenge that took the world by storm. The song's success translated to the charts, reaching the to