When the year started, hardly anyone knew Tyla, but now, she’s the name on everyone’s lips.
She went viral for the song “Water,” which dominated social media–especially TikTok.
The song was such a hit that it’s now sold over 1 million units and has earned the singer a Grammy nomination.
So, if you want to know more about this viral sensation, here’s all the info you need!
Tyla Was Born In Johannesburg, South Africa
She was born Tyla Laura Seethal and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa.
And she’s always dreamed of being a singer, according to a Spotify Radar video.
“I’ve always been like a big dreamer, but it never used to be a reality for us, especially in South Africa. Like there’s not a lot of people that make it out. Growing up in Johannesburg gave me my edge, amapiano is growing, I’m so proud. Just being from South Africa, it’s just a flex.”
The singer has also been influenced by iconic musicians.
“I really looked up to Michael Jackson as a performer specifically. I also looked up to Rihanna and Aaliyah as well.”
However, the singer knew how she wanted her music to sound.
“I knew that I wanted my culture in it. I made my first amapiano song ‘Getting Late’ and added pop and R&B melodies to it. With ‘Water’ I’d describe it as the perfect blend. Being from South Africa is the reason why my sound is what it is.”
She Initially Studied Mining Engineering
According to People, Tyla initially studied mining engineering.
However, she promptly moved to music as she shared singing videos on social media.
“Music was always the plan, but when I consciously started working towards it, I was in my last year of high school. I was studying and writing my final exams but every weekend I made sure to go to the studio and just record, experiment, shoot pictures and just go for it.”
Her parents were skeptical about her career choice, but she eventually convinced them.
“When I finished school my parents asked me what I’m going to study and I told them immediately I want to go into music. After a lot of convincing they allowed me to do just that.”
Tyla Draws In Her Free Time
Other than music, the singer also enjoys drawing.
“I draw…but I don’t say it because I always feel like one day people are gonna have a drawing competition, and then I’m like, now, put on the Picasso out, and I’m not on that level.”
She Has Over 6.8 Million TikTok Followers
Tyla understands the pressure of going viral on social media–especially with such a massive following that’s still growing rapidly.
“I am starting to feel the pressure of social media now because the numbers are rising much faster and I just understand the influence that I have now. I have to be more careful and use my platform right.”
The “Water” Music Video Almost Didn’t Happen
True story: Tyla wouldn’t have made the video to “Water” if not for it going viral.
“We weren’t actually going to shoot a video, and then the song just went viral. We were like ‘Oh my word!’ We ended up working with [music video director] Child and I’ve always wanted to work with her so that was exciting. It was a little bit stressful, but I had so much fun on set.”
