South African pop sensation and Billboard’s Ladies In Music 2025 Affect honoree, Tyla, is gearing as much as launch her sophomore album later this 12 months.
In an unique interview with Billboard, the 23-year-old hitmaker promised followers a recent sound that’s “completely different, however nonetheless Tyla.” She opened up about her evolution as an artist and stays dedicated to her roots and her mission to deliver African music to the worldwide stage.
An Unstoppable Ambition
Tyla burst onto the music scene in 2023 together with her infectious smash hit “Water”, which soared into the highest 10 of the Billboard Scorching 100. The music’s success marked the start of an unstoppable rise for the amapiano trailblazer, culminating in her self-titled debut album Tyla in March 2024 — a vibrant fusion of amapiano, Afrobeats, pop, and R&B.
Whereas her formidable profession confronted a setback when a again harm compelled her to cancel her extremely anticipated debut Coachella set and first worldwide tour, Tyla’s dedication by no means wavered. She made a triumphant return simply months later, debuting on the Met Gala in a surprising sand-sculpted Balmain robe, which turned the discuss of the city, and delivering a show-stopping efficiency of her music “Push 2 Begin” on the Victoria’s Secret Vogue Present. The sweltering, reggae-infused observe from the deluxe model of her debut album turned her second Scorching 100 entry, proving her resilience and inventive versatility.
This 12 months, Tyla will be a part of the ranks of icons like André 3000 and Usher as a member of the Costume Institute Profit Host Committee, celebrating Black type on the prestigious occasion.
Honoring African Artistry
Tyla has been vocal in regards to the challenges of style labeling, or mislabeling, particularly when her music is usually categorized as “Afrobeats.” Addressing the controversy in her newest interview with Billboard, she emphasised the fluidity of genres.
“Style is so fluid, so it’s grow to be tough to categorize it. If individuals see it because the affect that the artist is utilizing of their music getting its recognition, it’ll assist extra [with perceptions].”
Whereas Afrobeats influences her sound, Tyla made it clear that her music represents a broader spectrum of African artistry. She is dedicated to showcasing the richness of South African music and pushing amapiano into mainstream recognition, dispelling misconceptions about African artists being restricted to at least one style.
Making Historical past and Loving Dwelling
Tyla made historical past in 2024 when “Water” received the inaugural Grammy for Finest African Music Efficiency, making her the youngest African artist to take house the coveted award. Following that milestone, she secured wins on the BET Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards, solidifying her standing as a world icon.
All through her rise, Tyla has by no means overlooked her roots. “The truth that what I’ve been doing has impacted individuals everywhere in the world, particularly African artists, is particular,” she mentioned, reflecting on her journey, as she stays decided to highlight African music and convey her native South African amapiano to the world’s greatest phases.
Not too long ago, she carried out large headlining exhibits in Johannesburg, Cape City, and Pretoria, describing the expertise as extremely fulfilling.
“I haven’t actually executed a lot there since every little thing occurred with ‘Water’ blowing up. These had been the largest headlining exhibits I’ve ever had. It was enjoyable with the ability to have that a lot management over the stage, the dancing, the lighting, the music preparations. It was actually cool to create one thing from scratch and provides house a complete present that I’ve by no means been in a position to give them.”
The Evolution Continues
As Tyla teases her new album, she hints at a departure from her earlier sound whereas staying true to her signature essence.
“I’ve modified loads in a brief period of time as a result of I used to be form of compelled to with how briskly I needed to adapt to every little thing,” she mentioned. “I don’t suppose it’s going to be the identical power [as Tyla] in any respect, particularly with what I’ve began making. It’s completely different, but in addition nonetheless Tyla.”
Drawing inspiration from artists like Tems, Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, and Aaliyah, Tyla continues to mix influences together with her distinctive voice, pushing the boundaries of what African pop could be. Along with her long-awaited Coachella efficiency simply across the nook, 2025 guarantees to be one other groundbreaking 12 months for Tyla as she solidifies her standing as a trailblazer for African music on the world stage.
This full story seems within the March 22, 2025, problem of Billboard.
