Tyla

Early Life

Tyla Laura Seethal was born on January 30, 2002, in Edenvale, Gauteng, South Africa, to parents Sharleen and Sherwin Seethal. Growing up in Johannesburg, she is of Coloured descent with Zulu, Indian/Indo-Mauritian, and Irish ancestry. Tyla graduated from Edenglen High School in 2019, where she was the Head of Culture and the third of five children. During her final year, she began her music career by sharing original songs and covers on Instagram, which led to her discovery by her first manager, Garth von Glehn.

Career Beginnings

After finishing high school, Tyla self-released her debut single "Getting Late" in late 2019, which gained national success. The music video, filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, was released in January 2021 and garnered millions of views, earning a nomination for the South African Music Award for Best Music Video of the Year in 2022. In 2021, she signed a recording contract with Epic Records and released several singles, including "Overdue" and "To Last."

International Breakthrough

Tyla's career took a significant turn in 2023 with the release of her single "Been Thinking," which marked her first chart placements on the Billboard Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Rhythmic Airplay charts. She made her public performance debut at the Dolce & Gabbana afterparty during Milan Fashion Week. Tyla's music, characterized by her unique blend of pop and amapiano, has earned her the title of the "Queen of Popiano," and she aims to be the first global pop star from Africa, representing South African culture on the world stage.