In the past year, Tyla Seethal has not only emerged as a promising new talent but has also firmly established her unique musical identity with her breakthrough single "Water." This track, a top 10 hit, not only marked a significant milestone in her career but also garnered her a Grammy nomination, setting a high bar for her artistic output without the foundation of a complete album. "Water" served as a vivid demonstration of Tyla's signature "popiano" sound—a creative amalgamation of South African amapiano with its characteristic piano-driven, tech-house rhythms, blended seamlessly with the lively tempos of pop and R&B music.
With her eponymous debut album, "Tyla," she delves deeper into this blend, crafting a compelling musical universe that distinctively sets her apart from her Afrobeats contemporaries. This distinction is primarily due to Tyla's own vocal prowess, which adds an intriguing new dimension to the rapidly evolving genre of South African music. Her track "Jump," which features collaborations with Gunna and Jamaican dancehall artist Skillibeng, exemplifies Tyla's newfound confidence. It's in the nuances of her delivery—like how she emphasizes "prefer" in the first verse—that her potential to churn out viral dance anthems becomes evident, reminiscent of how "Water" transcended TikTok to dominate music charts.
Tyla's vocal agility is a highlight of her album. She demonstrates the ability to shift from a commanding presence to a more subdued, whisper-like quality, infusing her songs with a subtly powerful emotional depth. "Priorities," one of the album's tracks, leans more towards traditional pop but still incorporates the distinctive basslines of South African music, under the skilled production of Grammy-winning producer Sammy Soso. Meanwhile, "No. 1," her collaboration with Nigerian artist Tems, cements Tyla's standing as a formidable performer. Their vocal interplay, set against a catchy beat, showcases their contrasting styles, with Tems' deeper tones complementing Tyla's lighter, airy harmonies.
As Afrobeats continues to capture the global music scene, Tyla's album introduces a novel facet to this genre's international rise, positioning it within the realm of pop music. At 22, Tyla described the creation of this album as a period of "experimentation," embracing a wide range of musical styles from rap to R&B, and dance music. Her primary aim, as she shared with Variety, was to "properly introduce" herself through her music. In her debut, Tyla remains true to her unique sound, making a bold statement with her stylistic choices and solidifying her emerging status as a pop icon.
Tyla is a very talented artist. She is known for her dance on the stage, especially with the song 'Water'. She has inspired so many people with her energy and dedication. Tyla motivates us a lot to always do the best in every aspect of our lives!