Who was Tyla before her viral hit song Water broke the internet?
What began as a fun, catchy TikTok choreography has paved the way for Tyla’s worldwide fame. You must’ve heard these scintillating lyrics regardless of your musical preferences: “…Make me sweat, make me water.”
The 21-year-old South African musician has recently bagged several award nominations as a result of Water. But, have you ever wondered what her life was like before she became worldwide famous? Moreover, what other beautiful songs does she have under her discography belt?
Sit tight while we discuss Tyla before Water.
Who is Tyla?
Tyla Laura Seethal is a South African singer and songwriter raised in Johannesburg. Like most musicians, she initially set out on a different career path before finding her footing in music.
Tyla studied Mining Engineering but soon realized she had no interest in pursuing a career in that field. Instead, she was more interested in music.
Right after high school, Tyla expressed her desire to disapproving albeit supportive parents. And soon enough, she began to find her voice.
Tyla’s Debut
For a young artist whose debut was just barely three years ago, Tyla sure has the gods of music on her side. Tyla’s first official song release was in 2019, with a song called Getting Late.
I’ll admit, I hadn’t heard Getting Late before now. But one listen, and I knew Tyla was destined for success.
Most artist’s debut songs are not usually the most sonically pleasing. However, Getting Late employs carefully thought-out infusions that make it sound like Tyla has been doing music all her life.
She seamlessly combines Amapiano with subtle hints of EDM and pop music, creating a song that should’ve broken the charts long before Water did. Take a look:
Tyla’s Big Water Break
Excuse my play on words. There was no other way.
How else would you explain how three years after her debut, with no albums or E.P.s, Tyla has bagged Grammy, Soul Train Music, and South African Music Awards nominations?
Wouldn’t you call that a lucky, big water break that has birthed Tyla’s worldwide fame and success?
On a second thought, I shouldn’t be quick to call her break ‘lucky.’ A few weeks after Tyla released Water in July, she worked with choreographer Litchi to create the dance that helped push the song on social media.
Before that, Tyla had slowly but steadily built a loyal audience on TikTok and other social media platforms by putting out music or dance snippets she recorded in the comfort of her home.
While she did it for fun, expressing herself on social media definitely played a massive role in her big break. This was evident in some of her earlier songs like Getting Late and Been Thinking, which gained popularity on TikTok, although less than Water.
Tyla’s break has put her on stages such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Bianca Show. It has also earned her a silver certification in the U.S. and the winner of the Best Female Artist Award in the African Entertainment Awards USA.
Water also makes Tyla the youngest South African and first soloist to be featured in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years. Before this, only Hugh Masekela had accomplished this feat. In her first five debut years, Tyla is already setting records, and I can’t help but (as the Gen-Z’ers would say) stan.
What’s Next for The South African Singer?
According to her interview with BellaNaija, the South African singer is “Ready to show everyone for real” with her upcoming debut album.
She further stresses how she plans to show her unique sound to the world, with sonic blends of Afrobeats, Pop, and Amapiano in what she terms Afropiano.
Tyla recently collaborated with Travis Scott and Marshmellow on two separate remixes of Water, which might be the first of many remixes to come.
By all indications, Tyla is ready to take the world by storm. I’m eagerly looking forward to her debut album, are you?
Comment below and let us know your thoughts about Tyla!