The music video pays homage to Y2K aesthetics
South African music sensation Tyla has taken the global music scene by storm with her infectious sound and undeniable charisma.
Blending elements of pop, R&B, and amapiano, she has crafted a unique style that resonates with fans worldwide.
Born in Johannesburg and with Indian, Indo-Mauritian, Zulu and Irish ancestry, Tyla first gained attention with her breakout single ‘Water’, which quickly became a viral hit.
Since then, she has continued to rise, earning critical acclaim, millions of streams, and even a Grammy Award.
Her music is more than just catchy hooks and danceable beats, it reflects her cultural roots, artistic evolution, and passion for pushing musical boundaries.
With that in mind, let’s dive into 10 of Tyla’s most impactful songs, each of which has contributed to her growing stardom.
Water
‘Water’ is the song that catapulted Tyla to international fame.
Released in 2023, this amapiano-infused track became a viral sensation, largely thanks to TikTok, where the dance challenge associated with the song took off globally.
The track’s smooth yet hypnotic rhythm, paired with Tyla’s sultry vocals, made it irresistible to fans and DJs alike.
It quickly climbed streaming charts, racking up hundreds of millions of plays on platforms like Spotify.
Beyond its digital success, ‘Water’ earned Tyla her first Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, solidifying her status as a rising global star.
PUSH 2 START
Tyla continued to showcase her genre-blending abilities with ‘PUSH 2 START’, a track that fuses reggae, amapiano, pop, and R&B influences.
Released in 2024, the song highlights her effortless vocal delivery and knack for creating infectious melodies.
The music video pays homage to Y2K aesthetics with vibrant colours and nostalgic fashion, making it a visual treat for fans.
A remix with Sean Paul adds even more of a party vibe to the hit track.
‘PUSH 2 START’ received widespread acclaim for its fresh sound, further cementing Tyla as a trendsetter in the music industry.
Truth or Dare
‘Truth or Dare’ takes a more intimate approach, showcasing Tyla’s ability to blend sultry vocals with deep emotion.
The song explores the push-and-pull dynamics of modern relationships, making it highly relatable for listeners.
With a smooth melody and heartfelt lyrics, it became a favourite among fans and even secured a spot on the Billboard Year-End US Afrobeats Songs chart in 2024.
Its success further proved that Tyla isn’t just about viral hits, she’s a versatile artist with a strong storytelling ability.
Jump
Tyla takes things up a notch with ‘Jump’, an energetic collaboration featuring Gunna and Skillibeng.
This track blends elements of hip-hop, dancehall, and amapiano, creating a high-energy anthem perfect for clubs and festivals.
The powerful bass and catchy hooks make it a song that instantly gets listeners moving.
With Gunna and Skillibeng’s features, Tyla expanded her reach and introduced her signature sound to an even broader audience.
‘Jump’ was another chart success, further establishing her as a force to be reckoned with.
ART
‘ART’ is a testament to Tyla’s ability to push creative boundaries while staying true to her roots.
The track features a mix of Afrobeat rhythms and contemporary pop elements, resulting in a song that feels both innovative and familiar.
The introspective lyrics give listeners a glimpse into Tyla’s artistic journey, making ‘ART’ a standout track for those who appreciate deeper storytelling.
Like several of her other songs, ‘ART’ found a place on the Billboard Year-End US Afrobeats Songs chart, proving its popularity among Tyla fans.
No.1
Tyla teams up with Nigerian singer Tems to create ‘No.1’, a soulful and heartfelt ballad.
The song explores themes of love and devotion, with both artists delivering smooth and emotive performances.
Their voices blend effortlessly, creating a dreamy listening experience that tugs at the heartstrings.
The mellow beats and reflective lyrics make ‘No.1’ a go-to track for fans who enjoy more soulful, introspective music.
This collaboration also demonstrated Tyla’s ability to work with other top-tier artists while maintaining her distinct style.
Shake Ah
Tyla brings South African flair to the Brazilian carnival with ‘Shake Ah‘.
This high-energy Amapiano anthem radiates pure joy and movement.
Featured on the deluxe edition of her debut album Tyla+, the track blends deep South African rhythms with global dancefloor appeal.
Backed by Tony Duardo, EZ Maestro, and Optimist Music ZA, the song invites listeners to let loose with its hypnotic beats and playful chants.
Lyrically, it’s all about embracing the moment. Rest can wait, it’s time to dance.
The vibrant music video, set in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, proves Tyla’s power to turn cultural fusion into feel-good magic.
Safer
One of the more emotional tracks in Tyla’s discography, ‘Safer’ delves into themes of vulnerability and self-reflection.
The song’s haunting melody, paired with Tyla’s raw vocal delivery, makes it a deeply moving listening experience.
Fans have praised ‘Safer’ for its honesty and emotional depth, proving that Tyla is capable of much more than just creating dancefloor hits.
It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the highs and lows of love.
Breathe Me
‘Breathe Me’ is another standout track that highlights Tyla’s vocal range and ability to convey emotion through music.
The smooth, atmospheric production complements the song’s introspective lyrics, making it a perfect track for late-night listening.
Fans appreciate ‘Breathe Me’ for its soothing qualities and heartfelt delivery.
The track is proof that Tyla is an artist who can seamlessly shift between different moods and styles.
To Last
‘To Last’ is a romantic ballad that shows Tyla’s softer side.
The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics about enduring love make it a popular choice among listeners.
Tyla’s emotive performance and the lush production create a truly captivating experience.
‘To Last’ serves as a reminder of her ability to craft songs that connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Tyla’s discography is a reflection of her artistic versatility, cultural influences, and ability to create music that resonates with a global audience.
Whether she’s delivering a high-energy club anthem, a heartfelt ballad, or an innovative fusion of genres, she consistently proves why she’s one of the most exciting artists to emerge in recent years.
With each new release, Tyla continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a global music sensation.
As she evolves, one thing is certain, her star power will rise.
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