After her hit song went viral last year, she landed a clothing deal with Gap and even won a Grammy! Now, she's released her first album, a collection of 14 songs that proves she's the African pop star she always dreamed of being.

Indian music fans may have missed out on Tyla's hit song "Water" in 2023, but it served as a delicious introduction to a sound taking the world by storm: Amapiano.

This genre, born in the South African townships during the 2010s, is more than just a catchy name. Amapiano, which roughly translates from Zulu to "the pianos" or "piano people," blends deep house with the smooth sounds of jazz, the energy of kwaito, and the rhythmic punch of log drum percussion. The result? Infectious mid-tempo music that's become the lifeblood of South Africa's party scene.

Tyla's journey to stardom wasn't all viral fame and celebrity. Despite a global pandemic delaying her music video and forcing a shoestring budget production, her dedication paid off when the video caught the attention of record labels. This relentless work ethic continued as she honed her sound, collaborated with a diverse range of artists, and strategically leveraged TikTok to launch her music to the world. It's this combination of talent, hustle, and social media savvy that has propelled Tyla from hopeful singer to amapiano queen.

While "Water" might have been your introduction to Tyla, it's just the tip of the amapiano iceberg. Keep an eye on this rising star, because she – and the captivating sounds of amapiano – could soon be taking over your playlist.

There's more to amapiano than just infectious beats that get you moving. "It's so much deeper than just music," explains artist Tyla. "It's about our culture, our struggles, the music that carried us through tough times."

Amapiano's signature slower tempo is more than just a vibe. It's a sonic connection to South Africa's past. Influenced by kwaito and house music, genres born during the country's political struggles, amapiano carries the echoes of resistance and change that marked the post-apartheid era of the 1990s. Amapiano isn't just party music; it's a cultural heartbeat with a powerful history.

As DJs were busy spreading amapiano globally throughout the 2010s, Tyla was back in her Johannesburg home, honing her own take on the sound. Her journey began with singing covers on TikTok. In 2019, to convince her parents of her seriousness about a music career after high school, she dropped her debut single, "Getting Late." The song must have been a hit, because her parents gave her a year to chase her musical dreams!

"The year couldn't have been worse," laughs Tyla. "Of all years, it had to be the one with the pandemic hitting." Lockdowns forced Tyla and her team to wait a year before even shooting the music video for "Getting Late," a project done "with no backing, no budget." But their hustle paid off – when the video finally dropped in early 2021, it caught the attention of record labels.

Fast forward a few years, and Tyla has taken the foundation of amapiano and infused it with elements inspired by pop stars like Rihanna (a comparison fans and critics now readily make) and Justin Bieber. This unique blend has earned her signature sound a name: "pop-iano."

2023 marked a turning point for Tyla. Her unique "pop-iano" sound finally made a global splash, thanks in no small part to the power of TikTok. After releasing "Water" in July, she noticed it gaining traction as trending audio on the app. Seizing the opportunity, Tyla and her choreographer, Litchi, collaborated on a captivating dance challenge.

Tyla's performance of the challenge in August sent shockwaves through TikTok. The video went viral, introducing her music to a massive new audience. "It literally changed my life," Tyla beams, reflecting on the experience.

Tyla's debut album is a star-studded affair that truly lets her talent shine. Tracks like "On and On" and "Butterflies" showcase her mesmerizing vocals with simmering acoustic backdrops. But her signature "pop-iano" sound is anything but rigid. It will take some more time to see Tyla in a live music show. In March, she had to cancel her upcoming tour due to a worsening injury. She's been struggling with it for a year and doctors advised her to prioritize her health. While devastated, Tyla promises to reschedule the shows once she's recovered. (IPA Service)