Tyla Navigates Global Fame, Identity, and the Pressure After “Water”
South African star embraces vulnerability and her roots as she crafts her next musical chapter.
From the quiet streets of Edenvale, South Africa, to the glittering stages of global superstardom, 23-year-old **Tyla** is charting an exhilarating, and at times overwhelming, new course. Fresh off the viral success of her amapiano-infused hit “Water,” the pop sensation is grappling with the immense pressure of following up a global phenomenon, all while staying true to her unique identity.
The “Water” Phenomenon and Its Aftermath
The breakout success of “Water,” a track that masterfully blended South African amapiano with pop and R&B, catapulted **Tyla** from relative obscurity to international acclaim. The song’s accompanying TikTok dance challenge, showcasing **Tyla’s** fluid movements and captivating performance, ignited a global frenzy, leading to chart success in over 40 countries and a Grammy win for Best African Music Performance.
When ‘Water’ happened, I wasn’t ready,” she admits. “I became obsessed with the idea of doing things ‘right.’ I wanted more time to make mistakes to fully figure out who I am as an artist, but then things just went … Well, you know.
The rapid ascent presented significant challenges. “Water” became a cultural touchstone, positioning **Tyla** as a leading voice for African music on the global stage. Her subsequent release, the single “Bliss,” debuted at Coachella, and a new four-song EP, “WWP,” further solidified her momentum. This rapid rise has also seen her embrace high fashion, gracing red carpets in designer ensembles and even earning a spot on the 2025 Met Gala host committee, selected by **Anna Wintour**.
A Childhood Rooted in Music and Imagination
Born **Tyla Laura Seethal**, her early life in South Africa was marked by a close-knit family and a vibrant, music-filled household. Her parents, though “intentionally strict,” fostered a disciplined environment that **Tyla** now appreciates. The youngest of four siblings, her childhood was filled with backyard adventures and a deep immersion in music, with her father’s eclectic taste spanning country to R&B, and her uncle’s musical flair inspiring singalongs.
By age 14, **Tyla** was already performing with friends during school breaks, inspired by groups like Destiny’s Child. Her early YouTube videos caught the attention of FAX Records co-founder **Garth von Glehn**, leading to studio sessions and, with her parents’ conditional support, a year to pursue her musical dreams before college.
Navigating the Music Industry’s Demands
Signing with FAX Records in 2018 and later with Epic Records in 2021, **Tyla** faced pressure to conform to prevailing trends. She recalls being steered towards generic pop sounds that felt inauthentic. Those songs ‘didn’t feel like me at all,’
she states, recounting sessions where proposed songs were the most generic compositions you could ever think of.
“Water” is officially out now! 🌍💧 Thank you to everyone who made this song possible. I’m so excited for you to finally hear it! #TylaWater pic.twitter.com/vGfMj5vLzD
— Tyla (@Tyllaaaaaaa) September 22, 2023
Resisting these pressures, **Tyla** leaned into her South African roots, a decision praised by Epic Records president **Ezekiel Lewis**. ‘Water’ was really the fulfillment of that vision. It confirmed what we believed: that she needed to launch her career with something authentic yet universally resonant.
The experience forged her determination to maintain creative control over her music.
Identity and Artistic Expression
The artist’s journey has also involved navigating complex discussions about her identity. **Tyla’s** mixed heritage of Zulu, Irish, and Mauritian-Indian descent led to public debate after she referred to herself as “Coloured” in a 2020 TikTok. In South Africa, the term often signifies mixed-race heritage, but its historical context in other regions, particularly the United States, carries different weight.
That [controversy] was really confusing for me,” she admits. “I understood both sides of the story, but I was left asking, ‘OK, but what do I do now?’ When who you are is challenged, especially when it’s all you’ve ever known, it shakes you. You want to stand your ground, because if you don’t, someone else will try to define it for you.
Fellow artist **Becky G**, who collaborated with **Tyla**, emphasizes the power of authenticity in bridging cultural divides. The more authentic we are, the more universal the music becomes,” she says. “I really connected with [Tyla’s] story — growing up between cultures, navigating different languages and genres, and still finding a way to make it yours.
This rich tapestry of experience is woven into her latest EP, “WWP,” particularly in the track “Mr. Media,” where **Tyla** expresses frustration with public scrutiny.
The EP’s lead single, “Bliss,” delves into the complexities of love, with **Tyla** hinting at a current romance. I love hard. Like, if my heart is broken, it’s *brrrrroken*,”
she shares, reflecting on past heartbreak and her commitment to genuine connection.
Looking Ahead: A New Album and Broader Ambitions
Later this year, **Tyla** is set to release a new amapiano single, “Chanel,” with her highly anticipated second album on the horizon. Recorded across Los Angeles and Barcelona, the project promises a diverse sonic palette, incorporating rap and reggaeton elements, and a more personal narrative. This time, I’m living what I’m singing, and it feels way more personal,”
she says. Way more like *me*.
Beyond music, **Tyla** harbors ambitions in acting and creative direction. She aims to embrace every opportunity, ensuring a life lived to its fullest. I want to do almost everything,” she says. “I want to look back one day when I’m older and be like, ‘Damn! I really lived my life.’