Tyla Shines New Global Record, Gaining Recognition

South African singer Tyla burst onto the music scene with her hit track “Water,” reaching the top charts and global records almost immediately.

Celebrating a milestone in her career, Tyla’s label, Epic Records, orchestrated a grand affair at Harriet’s Rooftop in West Hollywood, California. Various music executives, artists, and fans were invited to revel in her birthday bash.

The party served as a dual celebration as Tyla had received her first Grammy Award nomination for Best African Music Performance, one of three new categories at the Recording Academy introduced that year.

>Youngest African to receive a Grammy pic.twitter.com/RevP1KECYE

— Tyla (@Tyllaaaaaaa) February 7, 2024

Amidst the festivity, waiters surprised Tyla. They had personalized a corner of the rooftop bar into her exclusive VIP enclave, adorned with glamorous shots of herself. They presented her with a glorious, glittery sheet cake.

Epic Records’ Chairwoman/CEO Sylvia Rhone and President Ezekiel Lewis took center stage, gifting Tyla with three plaques commemorating the monumental success of “Water.”

Five nights later, Tyla received the best (belated) birthday gift: her first Grammy award, the first win in its category, which Jimmy Jam presented to her during the awards’ premiere ceremony.

“I was in such shock,” she reflected on an early March afternoon. “It’s something that a lot of people strive toward and want to win at least once in their lifetime. And I’m so blessed to have received one so early in my career.”

Moreover, a new generation of young African women has come into the spotlight of pop music. Tyla has emerged with a distinctive fusion of sounds known as “popiano.”

This is a captivating blend of pop, R&B, and Afrobeats infused with the lively rhythms of amapiano, featuring shakers, rattling log drums, and soulful piano melodies.

dir=”ltr”>Tyla: Photos From the Billboard Cover Shoot https://t.co/LrkVWsQb6v

— billboard hip-hop/r&b (@billboardhiphop) March 28, 2024

The ampiano genre truly came into its own when Tyla released “Water,” a summer anthem characterized by a scorching pop/R&B hook. This release marked the pivotal moment when Tyla’s aspirations gained global recognition.

“Water” debuted at number 67 on the Billboard 100 in October and swiftly climbed the ranks, reaching an impressive number 7 by January.

The viral TikTok dance had a pivotal role in getting the track onto the radio. As a result, “Water” soared to the summit of the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart in October.

Take a look at Tyla’s photoshoot with Billboard here. You can watch the music video for “Water” below.