South African music is no stranger to global greatness. But every once in a while, a star emerges who doesn’t just represent a genre—she reshapes it. That’s exactly what Tyla is doing. Bursting into international stardom with her viral hit Water, the Johannesburg-born singer has captured the world’s attention with her infectious sound, dynamic performances, and effortless charisma.

Yet behind the fame lies a deeper story—one of identity, risk, persistence, and passion. Whether you’re just discovering her or have been a fan from day one, here are 10 facts about Tyla you probably didn’t know—facts that reveal just how multifaceted this rising African star truly is.

1. Tyla’s Full Name Reveals Her Multicultural Roots

Tyla was born Tyla Laura Seethal on January 30, 2002, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her name might sound simple, but her heritage is anything but. She has a diverse cultural background, with Zulu, Indian, and Mauritian ancestry. This rich mix of cultures not only gives her a distinct look but also influences her music, dance, and worldview. In a world of cookie-cutter pop stars, Tyla brings something fresh and deeply rooted in Africa’s colourful identity.

2. She Gained Early Fame by Posting Covers on Instagram

Long before Water made waves globally, Tyla was quietly building her brand online. She regularly posted raw, stripped-down covers of popular songs on Instagram, capturing attention with her soothing voice and polished delivery. Unlike many overnight success stories, Tyla’s journey was intentional and gradual. Her consistent presence and ability to connect emotionally through music won her a small but loyal following—and eventually caught the eye of music executives.

3. Tyla Almost Became a Mining Engineer

At one point, Tyla’s life could have gone in an entirely different direction. She enrolled at Wits University in Johannesburg to study mining engineering—a career path far removed from the music world. But after a short while, she made the difficult decision to drop out and focus fully on her music. In interviews, she’s admitted it was a risky move, especially given the uncertainty of the entertainment industry. But it was a leap of faith that paid off, proving that sometimes, your calling is louder than convention.

4. She Made Grammy History for South Africa

In 2024, Tyla achieved what many artists dream of—she won a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for her breakout single Water. This historic win made her the first South African solo artist in over 60 years to take home a Grammy, after the legendary Miriam Makeba. Her win not only signalled a major milestone for her career but also put Amapiano and South African pop music on the global map in a powerful way.

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5. She Had Creative Control Over the Water Video

Unlike many young artists managed by big labels, Tyla is intimately involved in her visuals and branding. For the Water music video—which has garnered hundreds of millions of views—she had a say in everything from the storyboard to the styling and choreography. Her love for movement and aesthetics is evident in every frame. That video didn’t just go viral because of the catchy song—it went viral because it was visually captivating, culturally rich, and executed with precision.

6. Her Influences Include Rihanna, Aaliyah, and Doja Cat

Tyla draws inspiration from a strong lineage of bold, genre-defying women. She’s often mentioned Rihanna, Aaliyah, Beyoncé, and Doja Cat as her major creative influences. Much like them, Tyla isn’t afraid to experiment with sound, push fashion boundaries, or mix genres like pop, R&B, and Afrobeat. Yet what makes her different is how she fuses these global elements with a distinctly African rhythm and flair—especially with her subtle but consistent use of Amapiano grooves.

7. She Faced Industry Doubt Before Her Big Break

Not every moment of Tyla’s journey has been glamorous. In fact, before Water became a phenomenon, she struggled with low visibility and lukewarm reception to some of her early singles. At one point, there were even internal discussions about whether she was “marketable” enough for a global audience. But rather than back down, Tyla and her team doubled down on creativity. When Water dropped—with its hypnotic rhythm and infectious choreography—it went viral on TikTok, changing everything overnight.

8. Her Style Is Turning Heads in Fashion Circles

Music is just one of Tyla’s talents—her fashion sense is quickly becoming a brand of its own. From red carpets to music videos, she’s been spotted in bold, experimental looks that merge traditional African aesthetics with futuristic edge. She’s graced the pages of Vogue, GQ, and Dazed, with critics hailing her as the “next big thing” in fashion influence. Luxury brands are already lining up, and with her fashion-forward attitude, it wouldn’t be surprising to see her launching her own label or collaborating with major houses by 2026.

9. Dance Has Always Been Her First Love

Though most know her as a singer, Tyla’s foundation in dance goes way back. She spent years learning and performing hip-hop, Afro-fusion, and contemporary dance, which explains the fluidity and control seen in her viral performances. She often choreographs her own routines and has said that she feels most alive when performing live. Her dance-driven identity sets her apart in a world where many artists rely on backup dancers—Tyla is the movement and the music combined.

10. She Has Her Eyes on Hollywood

While Tyla is focused on music for now, she’s made it clear that she’s not limiting her creativity to one lane. In interviews, she’s spoken about her love for African cinema and her dream to star in or produce films that tell African stories from an African perspective. She’s even taken informal acting classes and is reportedly in talks with streaming platforms for possible projects. It’s clear that Tyla isn’t just building a music career—she’s building an empire.

Tyla’s Story Is Still Unfolding

At just 23, Tyla has already achieved what many artists spend a lifetime chasing. She’s not only a symbol of South African pride but also a catalyst for cultural crossover, bringing African pop music to mainstream audiences in an authentic way. Her journey—from Instagram covers and university lectures to the Grammy stage—is a testament to vision, hard work, and fearless self-belief.

But if there’s one thing we know about Tyla, it’s that she’s only just getting started. Whether in music, fashion, or film, she’s shaping up to be one of the most influential African voices of her generation.