South African singer and TikTok star Tyla has joined the likes of Nigeria’s Yemi Alade and Kenya’s Xenia Mannaseh as the monthly ambassador of Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme.
EQUAL Africa is aimed at spotlighting and amplifying the voices of female African artists who are breaking down barriers and making waves in music. It also amplifies their music by exposing their catalogue to global listenership.
“It is satisfying to be selected for the EQUAL programme, joining other incredible female creators on the continent,” Tyla said in a press statement. “This just goes to show that there is room for all of us to shine, regardless of what sounds and genres we identify with.”
The musician has been on an upward trajectory since the release of her debut single, Getting Late, in 2019. However, her plans to dominate the airwaves hit a snag due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
But, in 2021, she signed with American label Epic Records through a venture with Johannesburg/New York-based Fax Record, co-managed by We Make Music Africa and Africa Creative Agency. Last year, she released To Last, which reportedly reached 1 million cumulative streams by February.
“We are inspired by Tyla’s versatility and her drive to achieve more in the music scene, and we welcome her to the EQUAL programme,” Spotify’s head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said in the statement. “It is our hope that other young African women creators see this as proof that their talent is valid and can and will be recognised and supported.”
February, Tyla rubbed shoulders with American reality TV star Kim Kardashian, a guest of honour at Dolce & Gabbana’s Fall/Winter 2023 runway show during Milan Fashion Week.
She performed at the luxurious brand’s after-party in a stunning bustier from Kim Kardashian’s D&G collaboration collection to wrap up the night.
Weeks earlier, she announced she would join Chris Brown on the European leg of his Under The Influence tour, which kicked off in London on 14 February.
Get to know Tyla
What is that one surprising thing your fans might not know about you?
A lot of people are surprised when I tell them I have four siblings.
When did you realise that making music was in your destiny, and what is your ‘why’ for pursuing this craft?
I feel my love for music came naturally. Ever since I could remember, it was a part of my life and interests. I knew at a very young age that this was my calling.
Which African songs or artists did you grow up listening to?
Brenda Fassie, Freshlyground, Mi Casa. I remember loving the song Destiny by Malaika.
To someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe the sound, tone, and style?
I would describe it as a fusion between R&B, Pop, Amapiano, and Afrobeats.
Any advice for someone dreading following their dreams?
Keep going, no matter how impossible it seems. I never thought I’d be at this point, and right now, I’m travelling the world making music, performing and living my dream. I still have a long way to go, but I’m not stopping. And you shouldn’t either.
