Artist on Our Radar: Tyla — From Johannesburg to Global Charts

When Tyla Laura Seethal first stepped onto the scene, she didn’t ask for attention — her sound demanded it. Born and raised in Johannesburg, the 23-year-old singer-songwriter has taken a distinctly South African rhythm, amapiano, and spun it into something new: popiano — her fearless fusion of amapiano’s log-drum groove with pop hooks, R&B smoothness, and global polish.

If you’re new to Tyla, start with Water — the viral single that transformed her from a local talent into an international name. It’s more than a hit song; it’s the perfect introduction to her artistry, balancing silky vocals with a rhythm you can feel in your bones. With Water, Tyla didn’t just ride amapiano’s global wave — she redefined it.

2025 has proven that Tyla isn’t slowing down. Her latest EP has two undeniable standouts: Is It — sultry, confident, and dripping with the effortless cool Tyla has become known for. It’s a track that lingers long after it ends. Dynamite(featuring Wizkid) — a smooth amapiano-meets-Afrobeats blend with undeniable chemistry between the two artists.

It’s made for dance floors, late nights, and anyone who loves music that moves both body and mood. Both singles show her growth as an artist — still rooted in her popiano style, but expanding into richer textures and collaborations.

Tyla’s artistry isn’t confined to the studio. She paints, she draws, and she treats visual art as an extension of her creative identity. She’s also sparked global conversations around identity, proudly embracing her South African “Coloured” heritage while highlighting how race and culture are defined differently around the world.

In a music landscape crowded with sound-alike trends,

Tyla stands out by being unmistakably herself. Her voice carries warmth and bite in equal measure. Her beats feel like an open invitation. And her vision is unapologetically global while remaining deeply rooted in where she comes from.

From Water to Is It to Dynamite, Tyla isn’t just one to watch — she’s one to play on repeat. And if her trajectory so far is anything to go by, she’s only getting started.