Music news: Nobody builds anticipation quite like Tyla as A*Pop arrives
Grammy-winning singer Tyla has transformed what could have been a routine album rollout into one of the most exciting campaigns of the year, reminding everyone why she has become one of South Africa’s greatest musical success stories.
With A*Pop arriving on July 24, it’s easy to forget just how quickly Tyla’s rise happened, writes Music News Blitz’s Victoria Bruwer.
Back in 2019, she was a teenager from the East Rand of Johannesburg who uploaded "Getting Late" in the hopes that someone would listen.
The song exploded locally, eventually leading to a deal with Epic Records in 2021 after Tyla convinced her parents to let her put university on hold and chase music full-time.
That gamble paid off.
A global sensation
Everything changed in 2023 when "Water" became a global sensation.
The viral choreography swept across TikTok before the song climbed charts around the world, making Tyla the first South African solo artist in 55 years to enter the Billboard Hot 100.
It earned her the first-ever Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, which also made her the youngest African artist in history to win a Grammy.
But she was only just getting started.
Her self-titled debut album introduced listeners to an artist who could blend amapiano, pop, R&B and Afrobeats into something entirely her own.
And just like that, the world suddenly knew exactly who Tyla was.
It’s remarkable how much Tyla has achieved since.
Multiple Grammy wins, MTV Video Music Awards, BET Awards, chart records, festival stages, World Cup performances and now another album fans are already loving before its release.
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Queen of Popiano
What makes Tyla so mesmerising is that she has never chased trends.
Her signature ‘popiano’ sound merges amapiano’s unmistakable log drums with pop melodies and smooth R&B influences, creating songs that feel equally at home on international charts and South African playlists.
She has consistently made one thing clear: she’s representing South African music on a global stage without watering it down.
That authenticity has become one of her biggest strengths.
With over 31.5 million current monthly listeners on Spotify and collaborations with artists like LISA, Cardi B, Zara Larsson and Damiano David continuing to expand her audience, Tyla has remained loyal to the sounds that shaped her.
It’s refreshing to watch an artist become more global while still appreciating her roots and being passionate about representing her country.
A*Pop already serving
The promotions for the album have been nothing but consistent.
Instead of posting an ordinary list of songs, she recently revealed the A*Pop tracklist using fluorescent spray paint under ultraviolet lights, turning a simple announcement into something fans immediately shared across social media.
The album includes thirteen tracks: That Girl, Kiss, Is It, Is It Love, She Did It Again, Fairytale, Feel Something, Right Now, Chanel, Crazy of Me, I Don’t Care, Mr Nonchalant and Hot Tubs.
Judging from pre-release singles like “Bliss”, “Is It”, “Chanel” and “She Did It Again”, this project looks ready to push her sound even further while keeping that addictive amapiano pulse at its core.
But perhaps the most exciting detail is her choice of collaborators.
While dominating international stages, she’s still making space for homegrown talent, inviting South African stars MaWhoo, Babalwa M and legendary duo Liquideep onto the album.
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Remaining unapologetically herself
A part of the fun of Tyla’s music is her visuals.
From her unwavering love for vintage fashion to her Y2K-inspired styling, every appearance feels intentional without becoming overcomplicated.
She has made low-rise silhouettes, shimmering fabrics and archive designer pieces feel modern again.
For the A*Pop campaign, she has leaned into vibrant neon body paint, glowing colours and futuristic visuals that perfectly match the album’s energetic identity.
It’s playful without trying too hard.
And the clothes aren’t separate from the music.
Fashion is simply another language in Tyla’s storytelling – she’s never been afraid to express herself through her unique style, continuing to set her own trends.
Ultimately, her music, fashion, stage presence and even interactions with others have shown an authenticity that fans find so charming about her.
There are pop stars, and then there are artists who know how to create a moment.
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