History of Tyla in Timeline

"Tyla is a South African singer and songwriter known for popularizing "popiano," a musical blend of pop and amapiano. Many consider her the "Queen of Popiano."

1968: Breaking Barriers with "Water"

Tyla's "Water" made history in 2023, becoming the first song by a South African soloist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years since Hugh Masekela's "Grazing in the Grass" in 1968.

January 2002: Tyla's Birth and Upbringing

Born in January 2002 in Edenvale, East Rand, Tyla was raised in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Her diverse heritage includes Indian, Mauritian, Zulu, and Irish roots.

January 2002: Tyla's Birth

Tyla was born in January 2002, marking the beginning of her journey.

2019: Early Career Beginnings

After graduating high school in 2019, Tyla stepped into the music scene with her debut single, "Getting Late." The song's national success, a testament to her talent, was a turning point in her journey.

2019: Graduation and Early Musical Influences

In 2019, Tyla graduated from Edenglen High School, where she held a leadership role as the Head of Culture. This experience likely exposed her to various cultural influences that could have shaped her musical interests.

2019: Debut Single Release

In late 2019, after completing high school, Tyla independently released her debut single, "Getting Late," produced by Kooldrink. The song gained significant national recognition, setting the stage for her musical career.

January 2021: Music Video Release and Recognition

The music video for "Getting Late" was released in January 2021, filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. The video quickly gained millions of views on YouTube and was nominated for the South African Music Award for Best Music Video of the Year in 2022.

May 2021: Signing with Epic Records and Career Focus

Convincing her parents to let her pursue music, Tyla signed with Epic Records in May 2021, a decision marking a pivotal moment as she dedicated herself to her burgeoning music career.

October 2021: Release of "Overdue"

Building on the success of her debut, Tyla released "Overdue" in October 2021, further establishing her presence in the music industry and showcasing her evolving artistry.

2021: Signing with Epic Records

Following the success of her debut single, Tyla signed a recording contract with Epic Records in 2021, marking a major milestone in her career.

November 2022: Release of "To Last"

Continuing her musical journey, Tyla released "To Last" in November 2022, demonstrating her commitment to creating music and captivating her growing fanbase.

2022: South African Music Award Nomination

Tyla's music video for "Getting Late" received a nomination for Best Music Video of the Year at the 2022 South African Music Awards, showcasing her rising prominence and artistic merit.

May 2023: Debut Performance and Charting Success

Tyla's first public performance took place at the Dolce & Gabbana afterparty during Milan Fashion Week in May 2023, following the release of her single "Been Thinking." The song also marked her first appearances on Billboard music charts.

July 2023: Release of "Water" and Global Success

July 2023 saw the release of "Water," the lead single from Tyla's debut album. The song became a global phenomenon, aided by a viral TikTok dance challenge, and peaked in the top 10 of multiple countries.

October 2023: Notable Performances and Collaborations

In October 2023, Tyla's talent was showcased through performances on 'The Bianca Show' and 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.' She also collaborated with Summer Walker on a remix of "Girls Need Love."

December 2023: Debut Album Announcement and Promotional Releases

Tyla announced her self-titled debut album in December 2023, releasing three promotional singles: "Truth or Dare," "On and On," and "Butterflies." She closed out the year with a performance on the finale of 'The Voice.'

2023: International Breakthrough with "Water"

Tyla's single "Water," released in 2023, propelled her to international fame. The song reached the top ten charts in several countries, including South Africa, the UK, and the US.

January 2024: Interview with Rolling Stone

In January 2024, Tyla's rising influence was highlighted through an interview with Rolling Stone, showcasing her growing recognition in the music industry.

February 2024: Grammy Award Win

February 2024 marked a historic moment as Tyla won the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for "Water," becoming the youngest-ever African artist to receive this honor.

March 2024: Album Release and Critical Acclaim

Tyla's self-titled debut album was released in March 2024, accompanied by the single "Art." The album received widespread critical praise and achieved top-25 chart positions in several countries.

2024: Debut Album Release and Critical Acclaim

In 2024, Tyla released her self-titled debut album, which garnered critical acclaim and achieved moderate commercial success. The album entered the top 25 charts in several countries, solidifying her presence in the global music scene.

2024: Award Recognition and Nominations

Throughout 2024, Tyla solidified her status as a rising star, garnering multiple award nominations and wins, including BET Awards, an MTV Video Music Award, and nominations for the South African Music Awards and Soul Train Music Awards.