- Tyla (Tyla Laura Seethal) was born on 30 January 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- She won the first Grammy for Best African Music Performance in 2024 with “Water”, and won again in 2026 with “Push 2 Start”.
- She describes her sound as “popiano”, a mix of amapiano and pop.
The short answer
Tyla turned the log-drum rhythm of South African amapiano into global pop. Her single “Water” became a worldwide hit in 2023 and made her the first winner of the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance. She has since won the award again.
Early life
Tyla was born in Johannesburg on 30 January 2002. She grew up in the city, trained in dance and singing, and began posting music online as a teenager. Her early single “Getting Late” attracted attention in South Africa and beyond.
“Water” and the breakthrough
“Water” spread rapidly through TikTok in 2023, then onto radio and streaming charts. The song combined a smooth amapiano beat with R&B vocals and a confident performance. It charted in the US and many other countries and led her to a major-label deal.
Grammy history
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Won Best African Music Performance for “Water” (the first winner of the category) |
| 2026 | Won Best African Music Performance for “Push 2 Start” |
She beat nominees including Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Asake and Olamide in 2024. See the 2027 Grammy Awards and how voting works for how Grammy voting works.
The debut album
Her self-titled debut album, Tyla, was released in March 2024. It brought together amapiano, R&B and pop, and it made her one of the most prominent African women in global pop.
What “popiano” means
Tyla uses “popiano” for the mix of pop and amapiano that she performs. It shows how a regional sound can adapt to international pop without losing its character. Read about the roots in amapiano.
Lessons for young artists
- Use social media to share your music but make sure the song is strong.
- Keep your cultural roots in your sound.
- Train your craft: singing and dance matter on stage. See stage fright.
- Be ready for fast growth: have a team and clear contracts. See record label deals explained.
Career timeline
- 2002: born in Johannesburg.
- 2023: “Water” becomes a global hit.
- 2024: wins the first Grammy for Best African Music Performance and releases her debut album Tyla.
- 2026: wins the same award for “Push 2 Start”.
Where to start listening
- “Getting Late”: an early single.
- “Water”: the global hit.
- “Push 2 Start”: a Grammy-winning track.
- Tyla: the debut album.
Common questions
- Where is Tyla from? Johannesburg, South Africa.
- What is popiano? Her term for a blend of pop and amapiano.
- How many Grammys has she won? Two, both in Best African Music Performance.
Quick facts
- Born 30 January 2002 in Johannesburg
- Breakthrough: “Water” (2023)
- Won Best African Music Performance in 2024 and 2026
- Debut album Tyla (2024)
- Sound: “popiano”
Key points to remember
Tyla’s success shows how a local sound can win the world when it meets strong songwriting and star quality. For more, read how Afrobeats went global.
