South African music sensation Tyla has invented herself as an artist with the power to navigate the boundaries of several music genres. For the month of March, music streaming platform Spotify has announced Tyla as its EQUAL Africa ambassador.
With her sprawling, innovative lyrics about the allure of new romance, love and self-confidence, her music is all good vibes, slathered in Pop, R&B and Afrobeats while hinging on South Africa’s Amapiano.
Since breaking out in the music scene in 2019, Tyla has become a force guided by her intention to leave a mark in music. Her journey into music began with writing song lyrics in her diary at 12. She describes music as “her calling”, something “that came naturally”.
‘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. 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,” says Spotify’s head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu.
She first gained recognition when she dropped the Amapiano dance-themed song ‘Getting late’. Tyla understands the demands of new-age artistry, but intuition and intention fuel her craft as she works towards her debut album.
She joins fellow South Africans Sio and Elaine who have previously headlined the programme. EQUAL Africa seeks to spotlight and amplify the voices of African female artists breaking down barriers and making waves in music