History of Tyla in Timeline

Tyla Laura Seethal, known as Tyla, is a South African singer-songwriter. Her music blends pop and amapiano, leading to the nickname "Queen of Popiano." She achieved global fame with her 2023 single "Water," which charted in the top ten in South Africa, the UK, and the US.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1968: Hugh Masekela's "Grazing in the Grass" Chart Success

In 1968, Hugh Masekela's "Grazing in the Grass" entered the US Billboard Hot 100. This event is significant because Tyla became the first South African soloist to enter the chart since Masekela.

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January 2002: Tyla's Birth

In January 2002, Tyla Laura Seethal, known mononymously as Tyla, was born. She is a South African singer and songwriter.

2019: Debut Single "Getting Late"

In 2019, Tyla experienced domestic success with her debut single, "Getting Late".

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2019: Graduation from Edenglen High School

In 2019, Tyla graduated from Edenglen High School in Johannesburg, Gauteng, where she was the Head of Culture.

2019: Self-Release of Debut Single "Getting Late"

In late 2019, after finishing high school, Tyla self-released her debut single, "Getting Late" featuring production from Kooldrink, achieving national success.

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January 2021: Release of "Getting Late" Music Video

In January 2021, the music video for Tyla's debut single "Getting Late" was released. It was filmed intermittently throughout the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and amassed several million views on YouTube.

May 2021: Signing with Epic Records

In May 2021, Tyla signed a recording contract with Epic Records through a joint venture with Fax Records in the United States.

October 2021: Release of "Overdue"

In October 2021, Tyla released the single "Overdue".

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2021: Signing with Epic Records

In 2021, Tyla signed with Epic Records following the success of her debut single.

November 2022: Release of "To Last"

In November 2022, Tyla followed up her debut single with the release of the single "To Last".

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2022: "Getting Late" Nomination

In 2022, Tyla's music video for her single, "Getting Late" was nominated for a South African Music Award for Best Music Video of the Year.

May 2023: Release of "Girl Next Door"

In May 2023, Tyla released the single "Girl Next Door", featuring Nigerian singer Ayra Starr.

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July 2023: Release of "Water"

In July 2023, Tyla released the song "Water" as the lead single from her self-titled debut album.

October 2023: Release of "Girls Need Love" Remix

In October 2023, Tyla was featured on a remix version of "Girls Need Love" by Summer Walker, released as part of the latter's Girls Mix extended play.

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December 2023: Announcement and Release of Promotional Singles

On the eve of December 2023, Tyla announced the release of her debut studio album, Tyla (2024), and simultaneously released three songs: "Truth or Dare", "On and On", and "Butterflies", as promotional singles from the project on an extended play of the same name.

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2023: International Recognition with "Water"

In 2023, Tyla gained international recognition after the release of her single "Water". The song entered the top ten in multiple countries, including South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

2023: MTV Music Awards Win

In 2023, Tyla won the MTV Video Music Award for Water.

February 2024: Grammy Award Win for "Water"

In February 2024, at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, Tyla won the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance with "Water", also becoming the youngest-ever African artist to win a Grammy Award.

March 2024: Release of Debut Album "Tyla"

On March 22, 2024, Tyla's self-titled debut album was officially released via Fax and Epic Records. The accompanying music video for "Art" was released in tandem with the album.

October 2024: Release of Deluxe Edition of Self-Titled Album

On October 11, 2024, Tyla released the deluxe edition of her self-tilted debut studio album comprising three additional songs including "Push 2 Start".

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November 11, 2024: MTV Europe Music Awards

On November 11, 2024, Tyla made her debut appearance at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), performing her singles "Push 2 Start" and "Water". That night, she won 3 EMAs for ‘Best African Act’, ‘Best Afrobeats Artist’ and ‘Best R&B Artist’.

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November 2024: "Push 2 Start" Music Video Premiere

The music video for Tyla's song "Push 2 Start" premiered on YouTube on November 8, 2024.

2024: Release of Self-Titled Debut Album

In 2024, Tyla released her self-titled debut album which received critical acclaim and achieved moderate commercial success, entering or approaching the top 25 in several countries including the United States.

2024: Previous MTV Music Awards Win

In 2024, Tyla won the MTV Video Music Award for Water.

January 18, 2025: Additional Concert Date in Pretoria

An additional concert date was added in Pretoria for Tyla on January 18, 2025, following two concerts in her native South Africa in December 2024.

April 18, 2025: "Show Me Love" Remix Release

On April 18, 2025, a remix of the WizTheMc and Bees & Honey song "Show Me Love" featuring Tyla was released.

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May 9, 2025: Release of "Bliss"

On May 9, 2025, Tyla released the single "Bliss".

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September 7, 2025: 2025 MTV Video Music Awards Win

On September 7, 2025, Tyla attended the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, where she won the Best Afrobeats award for "Push 2 Start" (2024), marking her second win in the category after she previously won the award for "Water" (2023) at the 2024 ceremony.

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