Tems or Tyla: Who truly represents the future of African music?

In recent years, the global music landscape has witnessed the steady rise of African female artists breaking barriers, collecting awards, and redefining mainstream sound. Among them, Tems and Tyla have emerged as two of the most compelling figures—both Grammy winners, both trendsetters, and both representatives of Africa’s dynamic musical export. Yet, their rise tells two different stories—one rooted in raw, emotive depth, the other in vibrant, rhythmic pop.

Artistry, Voice, and Musical Direction

Tems, born Temilade Openiyi in Lagos, Nigeria, is often described as the voice of a new African soul movement. Her music blends alternative R&B, Afro-fusion, and soul, resulting in a sound that prioritises emotional intensity over radio-friendliness. From her breakthrough on Wizkid’s Essence to features with Drake (Fountains) and Future (Wait For U), Tems has become a sought-after collaborator whose contributions often elevate a track’s emotional and vocal range. Her songwriting, too, has gained recognition, including credits on Beyoncé’s Renaissance project and Rihanna’s Lift Me Up for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

In contrast, Tyla, a South African singer whose full name is Tyla Laura Seethal, has cultivated a brand steeped in amapiano-infused pop, underpinned by glossy production and polished visuals. Her breakout single Water became a viral hit, propelling her onto global stages and eventually winning the first-ever Grammy for Best African Music Performance in 2024. While her catalogue is still in its early stages, Tyla has already secured collaborations with high-profile artists like Travis Scott and Chris Brown, underscoring her crossover potential.

Tems builds her sound on introspection, often channelling vulnerability and strength through stripped-back production and rich, layered vocals. Tyla, on the other hand, leans into rhythm, movement, and aesthetic appeal, offering soundscapes that are easier to consume, share, and dance to. Their artistic choices speak to different audiences—Tems to those who crave meaning and substance, Tyla to those who find joy in the sonic sparkle of feel-good anthems.

Recognition and Reach

Though they rose to prominence on different timelines, both artists have notched significant milestones. Tems won her first Grammy in 2023 and has already performed on global stages such as Coachella and the BET Awards. Her music has earned her a spot on TIME’s list of emerging global leaders, and she is widely praised for her ability to merge commercial success with critical acclaim.

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Tyla, despite having a shorter track record, achieved record-breaking success with Water—charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts across several continents. Her social media presence, fashion-forward image, and youth appeal have quickly established her as one of the most recognisable faces of African pop’s new generation.

While Tems ascended through a slow build of carefully curated projects and high-level features, Tyla’s climb has been more instantaneous, driven by digital virality and choreographed visuals that resonate with Gen Z audiences.

Impact, Identity, and Long-Term Legacy

Where Tems brings a moody, almost minimalist aesthetic tied to vulnerability and self-assertion, Tyla embodies a more playful, high-energy identity. Tems often explores themes of heartbreak, freedom, and resilience, making her music emotionally resonant for a wide, cross-generational audience. Tyla’s work, by contrast, celebrates fun, femininity, and self-expression, wrapped in the infectious beats of South African amapiano and pop.

Both artists challenge the global industry’s past tendency to pigeonhole African talent. Tems refuses to be boxed into the Afrobeats label, instead choosing to define her sound on her own terms. Tyla proudly foregrounds her South African roots while packaging her sound in a globally consumable form, pushing amapiano closer to the mainstream.

As they continue to build their respective careers, comparisons are inevitable—but perhaps unnecessary. While Tems may be seen as a torchbearer of musical depth and artistic credibility, Tyla represents the genre-bending, visually-driven force of the digital era. Their coexistence on the global stage not only highlights the diversity of African music but also reflects the many ways African women are reshaping the industry—on their own terms, in their own voices.