Tyla is among the few African musicians who will be propelled to the limelight of the global music stage in 2023.
Following the success of her hit song Water, Tyla forayed into the global stage as she recently received a Grammy nomination.
Tyla has emerged as a powerhouse of talent, seamlessly navigating the music industry with poise, charisma, and authenticity. In an interview with Rolling Stone’s The Breakdown, the female star bears it all, right from how she made her hit track, what she looks for when making music, and even how she feels about representing her country on the global stage.
Tyla shares her music process when trying to make songs “I love listening to beats, singing random things that come to me, and then listening back and choosing what fits best. After the words just come.” She also said she likes songs that make you feel something rather than more factual and just direct lyrics.
Water which is a fusion of pop, R&B and South Africa’s amapiano, was produced by Sammy Soso, Rayo, Jack LoMastro & Olmo Zucca. The song made waves online on TikTok when videos surfaced of the choreography by Tyla for the song’s #tylawaterchallenge.
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Although ‘Water’ seemed premeditated with its budding choreography that had even Jennifer Hudson dancing, Tyla said “With Water, i just wanted a summer song everyone could vibe to and have fun to.” She explained that she went into the studio to make a summer banger. Tyla also explained that the choreography came naturally because choreography is “just a part of me.”
Lastly, she spoke about representing her home country, South Africa, “When I was younger, I always wanted to see a pop star from South Africa among the Rihannas, Britney Spears, Micheal Jacksons. I always wanted to see someone from when I was… there” Tyla talked about how during her journey, she already knew that she was going to get there, but there was a creeping doubt since she “never had that person that opened the door”. She says she’s “trying to be that girl that opens the door”
