South African artist Tyla Laura Seethal, widely known as Tyla, recently made history by clinching a Grammy award despite not having released an album.
She emerged triumphant as the inaugural recipient of the prestigious Best African Music Performance category, securing her status as the youngest African vocalist to ever grasp a Grammy. Her enchanting single ‘Water’ and charismatic persona amazed American audiences, earning her widespread admiration and acclaim.
The much-awaited debut album, simply titled ‘Tyla’, was revealed on March 22, 2024, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
Through this musical journey, Tyla offers a poignant exploration of themes such as love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, all while proudly reaffirming her South African heritage and remaining steadfastly rooted in her origins.
Speaking in an interview, Tyla articulates her aspiration to not merely be a “Popstar” but an “African popstar,” a vision that she has successfully realized with the release of this album.
Undoubtedly, the remarkable cohesion of ‘Tyla’ lies in its meticulous and melodious execution. Collaborating with renowned global producers such as Sammy SoSo, Mocha, Believve, Rayo, Kelvin Momo, Sir Nola, and Jamaican Dancehall DJ Skillikeng, each of the fourteen tracks exudes the signature amapiano sound—a subgenre of house music deeply intertwined with Tyla’s cultural identity.
The carefully selected lineup of featured artists throughout the album adds layers of depth, blending genres seamlessly and expanding Tyla’s reach to a wider audience.
Gunna and Travis Scott infuse a raw, hip-hop edge, enriching the album’s texture with their contributions. Becky G’s presence brings a fusion of amapiano and Latin pop, crafting the ultimate catchy summer anthem.
It was only fitting for Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems to join forces with Tyla, and their highly anticipated collaboration exceeds expectations, elevating the album’s African essence.
The impeccably curated and cohesive production sets ‘Tyla’ apart, surpassing all expectations for a debut album and hinting at the boundless potential of Tyla’s future endeavors.
Drawing from her personal experiences of heartbreak, Tyla crafts an emotive and relatable narrative through a diverse range of tempos in her songs.
Tracks like ‘Safer’, ‘Butterflies’, ‘Priorities’, and ‘To Last’ delve deep into the complexities of losing a significant other, capturing the spectrum of emotions that accompany such experiences.
In ‘Safer’, the album’s second track, Tyla candidly explores the fear of commitment stemming from past hurt, echoing the sentiment of being “safer runnin’” against a dynamic amapiano backdrop.
Conversely, ‘To Last’, the thirteenth track, lays bare the raw emotions of a first love turned heartbreak, set to a softer, slower house beat, adding depth to the album’s emotional landscape.
Songs like ‘Breath me’, ‘ART’, and both versions of ‘Water’—the original and its remix—delve into the poignant and vulnerable aspects of love.
‘Breath me’ poignantly captures the sentiment of love being as essential as oxygen, while ‘Water’, the song that initiated Tyla’s journey, represents a departure from her usual style, venturing into more mature themes beyond her typical ‘PG music’ domain.
Adding a lighter touch to her album, Tyla treats listeners to upbeat anthems celebrating confidence, resilience, and self-love.
Tracks like ‘Truth or Dare’, the album’s fourth installment, humorously call out those attempting to re-enter Tyla’s life now that she’s in the limelight.
Similarly, ‘No. 1’, featuring Tems, champions the importance of prioritizing self-love post-breakup. Delving into influences from R&B icon Aaliyah, Tyla infuses her eighth track, ‘On and On’, with a playful energy, capturing the essence of never wanting the party to end.
Balancing her South African pride with a global appeal, Tyla guides listeners through an authentic journey of self-discovery, heartbreak, and love.
The album’s diversity, coherence, and articulate execution ensure an engaging and enchanting listening experience for all.
With her debut effort, Tyla not only showcases her artistry but also silences critics of her relative inexperience, solidifying her status as a worthy recipient of her Grammy accolade.
