Over the past few years, South African singer-songwriter Tyla has taken the global music scene by storm, sparking debates about her rapid ascent to fame.
The 22-year-old artist first captured international attention with her viral hit Water and its accompanying Bacardi dance challenge, which became a cultural phenomenon.
Breaking Records and Raising Eyebrows
Tyla made history as the youngest African Grammy winner, achieving this milestone with just a single major release—a feat that took legends like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z years (and multiple albums) to accomplish.
While some attribute her success to luck, others argue her strategic hustle and undeniable talent paved the way.
The Power of Persistence
In a recent interview, Tyla shared her unconventional path to discovery:
“I started DM’ing tons of people in the music industry my original music. I’ve always been ambitious—I just believed someone would reply. Most messages went unread, but I kept going. I’d ask my followers for song prompts, create content, and post it. Eventually, one of those videos caught my now-manager’s attention.”
Her grassroots approach—leveraging social media and fan engagement—proved pivotal. Before Water went global, Tyla was honing her craft through TikTok skits and original snippets, though few noticed the grind behind her eventual breakthrough.
Dispelling the “Industry Plant” Myth
Despite her sudden fame, Tyla insists her success stems from years of dedication. She addressed the skepticism in a chat with Kyla:
“The biggest misconception is that I’m an industry plant. People don’t see the late nights, the rejections, or the years I spent writing music since I was 11.”
Signed to Epic Records via South Africa’s Flourish and Multiply label, Tyla has become a torchbearer for African pop, blending amapiano rhythms with global appeal. With just five major tracks, she’s amassed 32.4 million monthly listeners—proof that her label’s push and her artistic vision are a potent combo.
The Road Ahead
While critics debate whether her rise was “overnight,” Tyla’s story underscores a modern truth: Virality meets preparation. As she gears up for her debut album, the world watches to see if she’ll sustain the momentum—or redefine the rules of fame altogether.
By Gladys mutua
