A record-setting finish to 2023 set the stage for Grammy award-winning Amapiano pop-R&B superstar Tyla to step firmly into her stardom in 2024, and today the South African superstar makes it official.
Tyla’s self-titled debut album, “TYLA”, featuring guest appearances by Travis Scott, Tems, Gunna, Becky G, Skillibeng, and Kelvin Momo is now available.
Along with her debut album, Tyla releases a brand-new music video for the remix of her chart-topping single, “Water,” featuring Travis Scott. The original music video saw its dance choreography garner viral success globally, spawning over 5.6 billion views and 4 million creations just on TikTok in the Southeast Asian region.
In the Philippines alone, “Water” has amassed 3.1 million creations and 3.3 billion views on TikTok, making it the top contributor on the platform. The “Pop-piano” sensation also went viral in Philippine mainstream media late last year, with Filipino superstars Sarah Geronimo and Kathryn Bernardo attracting headlines with their cover performances of “Water.”
Tyla is a 15-track affair and the first full-length offering from the singer, who struck gold (and platinum) with her hit single, “Water,” one of 2023’s biggest hits that has accomplished 766 Million Streams worldwide to date. Across Southeast Asia, the single achieved 4X Platinum certification in Singapore and Malaysia, and Gold certification in the Philippines.
On her debut album, Tyla introduces her supporters to the full scope of the African pop star within, taking each listener on a journey driven by Amapiano and interpolated with a multitude of the genres that have inspired Tyla throughout her young life, including Hip Hop, Pop, and R&B.
Tracks like “Safer,” “Truth Or Dare,” and the Becky G-featured “On My Body” will recall the timeless energy of “Water,” while elsewhere, Tyla expands her range. Gunna and Skillibeng join her for a high-octane Hip Hop anthem, and “Butterflies” is a viscous R&B ballad devoid of Tyla’s customary upbeat tempos.
“When I listen to the album, I’m so proud of it,” Tyla told Rolling Stone last week. “I just see our sound going so far: the culture, the words, the slang. Even just Joburg — the thought of people now singing about Joburg.”
The release of Tyla follows a historic second half of 2023 for Tyla, who became the highest-charting female soloist in African history on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 when “Water” peaked as the #7 song in the nation. Along with this accolade came an RIAA Platinum certification and Tyla’s first GRAMMY nomination. In February, that became a GRAMMY victory, for “Best African Music Performance,” in a crowded field that included Davido, WizKid, and Burna Boy.
“The Tyla story is one that has already inspired millions of people,” says Ezekiel Lewis, President of Epic Records. “Her young star is on the rise, and this project marks one more step towards the achievement of a global music fan base rooted in the touch and feel of Amapiano, R&B, and Pop. Her music is an export of African music and culture “The Tyla Way”, and we are eager to share this amazing body of work with the world. Stay Tuned.” Fans in search of the full suite of the TYLA album experience are encouraged to check out the singer’s merch bundle, which includes autographed vinyl options, streetwear and, in true pop star fashion, an album poster. Shop the TYLA capsule here.