# Tyla Source: https://www.popfiltr.com/artist-profile/tyla Language: en > South African star Tyla won the first GRAMMY for Best African Music Performance in 2024, rising to fame with hits like "Water" and her amapiano-pop fusion sound. --- ## Tyla Tyla, born January 30, 2002, in Johannesburg, is a South African singer blending amapiano with Western pop. Her breakout hit "Getting Late" secured her a deal with Epic Records, followed by the global success of "Water." In 2024, she made history as the first winner of the GRAMMY for Best African Music Performance. With her debut album, Tyla is redefining African music on a global scale. ![Tyla with natural curls, artist profile, 2024](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64e632e1a07b9b35364590b5/65d1b09e86ea9062bac819be_Tyla-artist%20profile-bio-2024.avif) #### Early Life and Background Born Tyla Laura Seethal on January 30, 2002, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tyla's heritage is as diverse as her music. She is of Zulu, Indian, Mauritian, and Irish descent, a rich cultural tapestry that has influenced her sound and artistic expression. Growing up in a vibrant and multicultural environment, Tyla was exposed to a variety of musical genres and traditions from a young age, setting the stage for her eclectic musical style. #### Education and Early Recognition During her high school years at Edenglen High School, Tyla took on the role of head of culture, showcasing her leadership skills and passion for the arts. She matriculated in 2019, already demonstrating a keen interest in music and performance. This period of her life was crucial in shaping her understanding of culture and its impact on music. #### Discovery and First Steps in Music Tyla's musical journey took a significant turn when she was discovered by Garth von Glehn, who saw the potential in her unique voice and style. He organized her first recording sessions, marking the beginning of her professional music career. Her debut single, "Getting Late," released in 2019, quickly gained attention for its captivating sound and visuals, earning millions of views on YouTube and a nomination for Music Video of the Year at the 28th South African Music Awards in 2022. #### Signing with Epic Records In May 2021, Tyla's growing success led her to sign a recording contract with Epic Records, through a joint venture with Fax Records in the United States. This partnership was a significant milestone, opening up new opportunities for her to reach a global audience. She followed up this achievement with the release of singles "Overdue" in October 2021 and "To Last" in November 2022, further establishing her presence in the music industry. #### Breakthrough with "Water" Tyla's international acclaim skyrocketed with the release of "Water" in July 2023. The song, a blend of Western pop and amapiano influences, became a top-ten hit in sixteen countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Its music video, released on October 7, 2023, amassed 3 million views on YouTube within three days, showcasing Tyla's widespread appeal and the global resonance of her music. #### Historic GRAMMY Win At the 2024 GRAMMYs, Tyla made history by winning the[first-ever award for 'Best African Music Performance' with her hit song "Water."](https://www.popfiltr.com/articles/water-by-tyla-wins-grammy-award-for-best-african-music-performance)This victory was not only a personal achievement but also a moment of recognition for African music on the global stage. Competing against established artists like Davido, Ayra Starr, and Burna Boy, Tyla's win highlighted the Recording Academy's commitment to showcasing diverse musical talents from across the African continent. ## Latest ![Taylor-swift-wins-best-in-pop-vma-2024](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64e632e1a07b9b35364590b5/66e262136555dbf95f92182a_Taylor-swift-wins-best-in-pop-vma-2024.avif) The 2024 VMAs celebrated the year's top talent with stunning performances and major wins, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Best K-Pop. ![Tyla-water-best-afrobeat-vmas-2024](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64e632e1a07b9b35364590b5/66e2480945ac7a1920a2daf5_Tyla-water-best-afrobeat-vmas-2024.avif) Tyla secures VMA for Best Afrobeats. ![Tyla on the VMAs red carpet 2024](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64e632e1a07b9b35364590b5/66e2447a9d8e566925b4ad6d_tyla-attends-the-2024-mtv-video-music-awards-at-ubs-arena-news-photo-1726098640.avif) Glamour, elegance, and bold statements dominated the 2024 VMAs red carpet, where stars like Karol G, Halsey, Jack Antonoff, LISA, and Lenny Kravitz, stunned in standout fashion choices that set the night’s tone. ![Water by Tyla wins 2024 Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64e632e1a07b9b35364590b5/65c00e484be1f9f3dea8d40f_Water%20by%20Tyla%20wins%20Grammy%20for%20Best%20African%20Music%20Performance.avif) ‘Water’ by Tyla wins Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance ![Grammy Awards 2024 - Complete List of Winners](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64e632e1a07b9b35364590b5/65c0330eebdbd70a0f87412b_2024_grammys_winners_complete_list_live_66th_grammy_awards.avif) The 66th annual Grammy Awards, music's most illustrious evening, is underway, with live updates on the complete list of winners as they're announced. ![AJR Performs "Yes I'm a Mess" and "Bang!" At Voice Finale Live on December 19](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64e632e1a07b9b35364590b5/6583282d96336ea633e5be70_AJR%20Performs%20%22Yes%20I%27m%20a%20Mess%22%20and%20%22Bang!%22%20At%20Voice%20Finale%20Live.avif) AJR electrified the stage with a dynamic medley of "Yes I'm A Mess" and “Bang!” at NBC's "The Voice" finale on December 19. ![Teddy Swims performs "Lose Control" Live during Voice Finale](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64e632e1a07b9b35364590b5/65832fa3b694cf3a1b79624e_Teddy%20Swims%20performs%20%22Lose%20Control%22%20Live%20at%20Voice%20Finale.avif) Teddy Swims delivered a fiery performance of "Lose Control" at the Voice Finale on December 19. ![Tyla during her live "Truth or Dare"/"Water" performance during Voice Finale on NBC on December 19](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64e632e1a07b9b35364590b5/6583200acdc0d4753409ec0b_Tyla%20-%20Truth%20or%20Dare%20-%20Water%20-%20Voice%20-%20Finale%201.avif) Tyla captivated audiences at The Voice live finale with a dynamic medley of "Water" and "Truth or Dare," marked by a steamy performance, striking outfit, and a blend of fiery visuals and traditional South African dance moves. ![tyla announces 2024 world tour with concerts in EU, UK, US, and Canada](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64e632e1a07b9b35364590b5/656fb2f88709c46ee6731322_tyla-announces-2024-world-tour.avif) South African rising star Tyla announces her global tour, starting March 21, 2024, in support of her debut LP, with the tour's first leg spanning Europe and then hitting North America on April 22, following the sensational splash of her Grammy-nominated hit "Water". ![Beyoncé at the premiere of the Renaissance Tour Film, featuring a new release, 'My House."](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64e632e1a07b9b35364590b5/6572629fb62972981784fde4_Beyonce%20-%20My%20House%20release%20coinsides%20with%20Renaissance%20tour%20film%20premier.avif) On December 1st, 'New Music Friday' showcases a diverse mix of music from across the globe. Beyoncé unveils 'My House,' while Taylor Swift and Loreen captivate their fans with their latest offerings. We celebrate the much-anticipated debut of BABYMONSTER, the latest sensation in the K-Pop arena, alongside an impressive lineup of debut albums from artists such as Dove Cameron, Sadie Jean, Jonah Kagen, and Milo j. ![Tyla and Travis Scott for release of "water" on a cover of New Music Friday, PopFiltr](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64e632e1a07b9b35364590b5/6557dfd298cd9a2a87ea732d_Tyla-travis-scott-water.avif) Welcome to New Music Friday for November 17th, where each release opens up a world of new experiences. From the latest beats by Drake to Dolly Parton's intrepid excursion into unfamiliar musical territories, these tracks fuse melodies and verses that strike a chord with our collective journeys. They turn into the trusted confidants on our playlists, as we await the next wave of auditory treasures with anticipation.