From viral hits to historic awards, Tyla’s 2024 is nothing short of legendary.
Image: Sihle Mlambo/IOL
At the young age of 22 years old, singer and songwriter Tyla has had a groundbreaking 2024, owning the year with incredible milestones. The talented “pretty girl from Joburg has gone from strength to strength after her breakthrough in 2023, with her global pop/R&B smash hit, Water.
Tyla Seethal has cemented herself as a trailblazing artist, shaking the music industry with her chart-topping hits, historic award wins, and her unique amapiano-pop-R&B sound.
IOL reflects on how Tyla has conquered the world, transitioning from an up-and-coming artist to a global superstar, selling out shows in Europe, Asia, the Americas and in Africa.
Tyla's career took a massive leap in 2021 when she signed with Epic Records, setting the tone for her global presence. Her breakthrough came from her 2019 single, “Getting Late.”
That same year, she collaborated with DJ Lag and Kooldrink on the track “Overdue,” which gained further attention after being featured in the trailer for Netflix's Blood & Water.
The song showcased Tyla’s unique sound, blending amapiano, pop, and R&B, while showing her versatility.
In February 2023, she toured Europe as the opening act for Chris Brown's Under the Influence tour, earning global recognition.
Her single “Water” was released in August, creating a cultural shift with its undeniably catchy hook and viral choreography, which led to a TikTok dance challenge and secured a spot on the US Billboard Hot 100.
She also performed the hit single on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” making it her US TV debut.
In early 2024, Tyla won her first Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, an exciting moment for her and her fellow countrymen, who were incredibly proud.
She followed this achievement with her debut self-titled album, “Tyla,” which featured artists such as Kelvin Momo, Tems and US singer Becky G. The album delivered hit after hit, earning Gold certification in the US and achieving Platinum status in Brazil.
Chart Success
Since the release of her self-titled album in March 2024, Tyla has seen remarkable success on the charts.
– “Tyla” became one of the most-streamed female albums on Spotify in 2024.
– “Water” held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart for 50 weeks, becoming the longest-running solo No. 1 by a female artist.
– “Tyla” debuted at No. 24 on the Billboard 200 and spent over 20 weeks on the chart.
– “Truth or Dare” surpassed 51 million streams on Spotify.
In October, she released a deluxe version of her debut album, “Tyla+,” featuring three new songs, including “Push2Start,” which has seen a steady rise in streaming numbers.
This year, Tyla’s hard work has been recognised with an impressive set of international and local awards. Her notable wins include:
– Grammy Award: Won her first Grammy in February for Best African Music Performance with her hit “Water.”
Tyla, winner of the "African Music Performance" award for "Water" attends the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Peacock Theater on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Image: Emma McIntyre / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP
– BET Awards: Won Best New Artist and Best International Act at the 2024 BET Awards.
– Billboard R&B No. 1s Event: Honoured with the Global Force Award.
– MTV VMAs: Became the first South African artist to win a VMA, taking home the Best Afrobeats Award.
– MTV EMAs: Made history in November by winning three awards in one night for Best R&B, Best Afrobeats, and Best African Act.
– South African Style Awards: Won Most Stylish Performing Artist.
– Basadi in Music Awards: Won three awards: Song of the Year, International Achievement, and Highest Airplay.
– Metro FM Music Awards: Recognized with the Global Icon Award.
– Cultural and Creative Industry Awards: Awarded Best International Act by the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture.
South African Music Awards (Samas): Won the International Achievement Award
The Reign Continues
In September, Tyla announced her first-ever South African tour, set to kick off this December.
She also stole the spotlight at the Victoria’s Secret comeback show in October, where she headlined as a musical performer and walked the runway.
The Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) announced their nominees, and Tyla received eight nominations, including three in the Top Afrobeats category.
She’s up for Top R&B Artist, Top Afrobeats Artist, Top R&B Song, Top R&B Album, and Top R&B Female Artist.
Looking ahead, Tyla is set to perform on the iconic Coachella stage in April 2025, proving her unstoppable rise in the music scene.
IOL