Tyla Elevates Debut Album with Release of Deluxe Edition “Tyla +”
South African pop sensation Tyla has added a new dimension to her debut album with the release of the deluxe edition, “Tyla +,” showcasing her dedication to blending global pop appeal with her African heritage. Speaking to Apple Music, the rising star emphasized her vision of becoming a distinct African pop icon, saying, “I’ve always wanted to be a pop star, but beyond that, I wanted to be an African pop star.”
Tyla originally released her self-titled debut album seven months ago, featuring hit tracks like “Water” – a Grammy-winning single for Best African Music Performance, also remixed with Travis Scott – alongside fan favourites “On and On” and “Truth or Dare.” The deluxe edition adds three new songs: “Shake Ya,” “Push 2 Start,” and “Back to You,” further enriching the album with collaborations featuring fellow South African artists Tony Duardo, Optimist, and Ez Maestro.
Reflecting on her journey and the album’s evolution, Tyla said, “Since I started experimenting with amapiano, I feel like it’s helped me create something fresh and new but still rooted in home.” She emphasized that the project is an authentic reflection of African music, mixing elements of pop and R&B without diluting the essence of amapiano.
The album also includes contributions from global producers like Sammy Soso, Mocha, Believve, Rayo, and Sir Nolan, but Tyla was intentional about maintaining the authentic sound of South Africa. “It was important to bring some of the global producers to South Africa so they could understand the context of amapiano,” she explained. “Music is our everything in Africa—it’s in the way we speak, dance, and move. It’s just in us, and I didn’t want it to sound watered down.”
With “Tyla +,” the artist continues to push boundaries, balancing her global ambitions with a deep connection to her African roots.
Click here to stream “Tyla +”.
