Tyla

Tyla (born Tyla Laura Seethal) is a South African singer and songwriter best known for her viral hit “Water” and for blending pop, R&B and amapiano influences in her music. Tyla was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and studied toward a degree in mining engineering before pausing her studies to focus on music full-time.

Tyla began posting covers and original music on social media in her teens and gained early traction with her debut single “Getting Late” in 2019. The song’s success in South Africa led to a deal with Epic Records in 2021. She released her debut single “Overdue” later that year and her second single “To Last” in November 2022.

Her international breakthrough in 2023 when her single “Water” went viral on TikTok and charted globally. It became her first Billboard Hot 100 hit, making her the first South African solo artist in over 50 years to chart on the list.

“Water” earned the South Africa native her first Grammy Award in 2024 for Best African Music Performance. She released her self-titled debut album later that year, which featured songs such as “On and On” and “Truth or Dare.” She has since amassed a large following on social media, attending events like the Met Gala and BET Awards and making appearances on shows such as The Voice and The Kelly Clarkson Show.