A history-breaking Grammy win now, but Tyla’s rise is an age-old tale of patience and hard work.
Tyla, winner of the Best African Music Performance award for 'Water', at the 66th annual Grammy Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, on 4 February 2024. Every now and then South Africa produces a talented musician who takes the local industry by storm. Tyla Seethal, popularly known simply as Tyla, has taken it to global proportions.
“She was always there shining and making sure she was one of our best singers,” recounts her then choirmaster Mrs Naka. “She has always wanted to do what she is doing. She is designed for the stage.” In the same Spotify insert, Sharleen Seethal, the songbird’s mother, reminisced that she always made her daughter sing at any opportunity.
appeal to a younger audience suited Tyla like a glove but she was maturing quickly. The transition from teen sweetheart to young adult is where the first true challenge came for Tyla and her team.in November 2022, a softly delivered mature record in which Tyla sang about her first heartbreak.
In that time she not only introduced herself to the world but also illustrated her ability to achieve the once seemingly unattainable feat of crossing over into an international market through her music and her charm.“She’s very humble and down to earth. A beautiful and ethereal human being,” says one of her dancers, December Skhosana. “She’s always been true to herself and not forcing anything. She is very present and, in the moment, always looking you in the eye when you talk to her.
The world is now firmly in Tyla’s hands. With a globally anticipated debut album, a good head on her shoulders and a Grammy to boot, God knows where music will take her.