Tyla, a rising star at the age of 22, has achieved a top-10 hit and secured a Grammy award.
Her journey to fame skyrocketed with the success of “Water,” a chart-topping sensation that introduced American audiences to the infectious rhythms of South Africa’s amapiano genre.
Following her historic Grammy win as the youngest African artist ever to do so, Tyla unveiled her eponymous debut album on Friday through Fax and Epic Records, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
The 14-track album showcases Tyla’s versatility with collaborations alongside Tems, Becky G, and Gunna, delivering club-ready beats that build upon the infectious energy of “Water” while showcasing her diverse musical range.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Tyla discussed the creative process behind the album, her connection with fellow African artists, and her unforgettable experiences during Grammys week, including memorable encounters with Nancy Pelosi.
In the interview, the good folks at People asked Tyla how she met Nancy.
There’s also a photo of you and Nancy Pelosi together at that party. How did you two meet, and did you know who she was?
I had no idea. I didn’t know who she was, honestly, but I think she may have known because she asked to take a picture with me, so I was like, “OK, cool.”
She held my hand, and I was like, “Are you sure we should hold hands?” Because I didn’t know. I was kind of feeling a bit tight, but she was like, “Hold my hand, hold my hand.” It was cute.
More from her interview:
Last time you spoke to PEOPLE was before the Grammy nominations came out, and then you won best African music performance for “Water.” How did that moment feel?
Surreal. Hearing my name, being able to get on that stage and say a whole speech was crazy, especially considering my age and how early I am in my career. I didn’t expect that honestly, but I’m just so grateful that it happened. It’s history. It’s such a big moment for home. I couldn’t be happier, really.
With a top-10 hit and a Grammy now under your belt, have you had a moment of feeling like you’ve truly made it?
I mean, even though I have accomplished a lot, I’m still at that point where I feel like I’m still working toward making it. I don’t know what ‘making it’ looks like, but a moment that I feel like the shift happened was definitely when my song entered the [Billboard] Hot 100. Also, when I was on a plane and heard it playing on a plane, I was like, “No way. They only play hits on a plane, so this must mean something.”
Did the success of “Water” create any pressure as you made this album?
Naturally. I mean, I’m human. I’m going to see comments, I’m going to feel some type of way, but honestly, I have a strong team. We are very focused, and we know our direction, and it didn’t really change regardless of what changed around us. We’re just making good music, and we’re pushing the sound.
You’ve said your DMs are popping with other artists hitting you up to collaborate, but I can only imagine people are also approaching you romantically. How has your dating life changed since finding success?
It was very dry, before and after. I’m telling you.
