Tyla Opens Up About Grammy Nomination and Ambition to Inspire Future Artists
Tyla, a rising star in the African music scene, is set to make waves on the global stage in 2023, following the success of her hit song “Water,” which has earned her a Grammy nomination.
In an insightful interview with Rolling Stone’s The Breakdown, Tyla shares her journey in the music industry, shedding light on her creative process, the inspiration behind “Water,” and her mission to represent South Africa on the international music scene.
Tyla delves into her approach to making music, stating, “I love listening to beats, singing random things that come to me, and then listening back and choosing what fits best. After the words just come.” She emphasizes her preference for songs that evoke emotions rather than relying solely on factual and direct lyrics.
The breakout hit “Water,” a blend of pop, R&B, and South Africa’s amapiano, was produced by Sammy Soso, Rayo, Jack LoMastro & Olmo Zucca. The song gained popularity on TikTok with the #tylawaterchallenge, showcasing Tyla’s natural choreography skills. Despite the song’s success, Tyla reveals, “With Water, I just wanted a summer song everyone could vibe to and have fun to.” The choreography, she explains, came naturally as it is “just a part of me.”
Addressing her role as a representative of South Africa, Tyla expresses her childhood dream, stating, “When I was younger, I always wanted to see a pop star from South Africa among the Rihannas, Britney Spears, Michael Jacksons. I always wanted to see someone from when I was there.” Tyla acknowledges the absence of such a figure during her journey and admits to moments of doubt, emphasizing her determination to be the one who opens doors for aspiring artists. She affirms, “I’m trying to be that girl that opens the door.”
