Who Is Tyla Laura: South Africa’s Viral Music Sensation
Tyla Laura, a name that’s making waves in the music scene, from Africa to the global stage. Let’s take a peek into the life and artistry of this rising star, as we uncover what makes her a musical sensation.
Tyla Laura Seethal, known professionally as Tyla, is a South African singer, songwriter and dancer. Born and raised in Johannesburg.
In 2021, Tyla inked a deal with Epic Records, Sony, following the tremendous success of her debut track ‘Getting Late,’ a collaboration with Kooldrink. The song’s music video got her a South African Music Awards nomination. Fast forward to 2023, Tyla catapulted into the global spotlight with her hit single ‘Water.’
‘Water’ a fusion of contemporary R&B and amapiano, made a significant impact following its release on July 28. Quickly gaining traction, it sparked a viral trend on TikTok, Credits go to the Water TikTok dance challenge, originated by Tyla’s choreographer Lee-che´ Janecke, amassing an incredible 600,000+ videos.
Tyla shed light on the origins of the viral ‘Water’ dance, attributing its roots to a dance form known as Bacardi, which finds its beginnings in Pretoria, South Africa.
Breaking Records
The Billboard Hot 100, the go-to music chart in the US, undergoes weekly updates, making it the definitive ranking for music enthusiasts.
Making history as the first South African artist with a solo song to make it onto the chart since Hugh Masekela’s ‘Grazing in the Grass‘ in 1968 . To storm into the prestigious Billboard Top 100 in over five decades. At a mere 21 years of age, Tyla Laura has become the youngest South African to appear on the list. Her sensational track, ‘Water,’ has not only secured a coveted spot on the Billboard Hot 100 but has done so at an impressive entry of number 67. This remarkable accomplishment marks her as the youngest South African to grace this prestigious list. Tyla’s musical journey is undeniably on a trajectory of success, breaking barriers and setting new standards in the global music arena.
Teaming up with the renowned R&B artist Chris Brown, she became part of his 2023 European tour, generating buzz and excitement within the music scene.
But the accolades don’t end there—she’s now South Africa’s first artist to amass a staggering 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify, leaving an indelible mark in music history. Surpassing the legendary Master KG in monthly Spotify listeners, Tyla’s global influence is undeniable. The wave of success continues as ‘Water’ rides high, breaking into Spotify’s global top 40 with a phenomenal 1.96 million streams, claiming a well-deserved spot at number 40.
As Tyla Laura continues her musical journey, we can only anticipate the symphony of success she’s yet to create. This rising star is undoubtedly on the brink of a musical revolution, beckoning a multitude of international awards her way.