Born and raised in Johannesburg, Tyla signed with Epic Records in 2021 following the domestic success of her 2019 debut single, "Getting Late".

The single preceded her self-titled debut album (2024), which was released to critical acclaim and moderate commercial success, entering the top 25 in multiple countries including the United States.

Tyla Laura Seethal[4] was born on 30 January 2002 in Edenvale, Gauteng,[5][6] to a Coloured family with Indian,[7][8] Indo-Mauritian, Zulu, and Irish ancestry.

[18] She had been studying towards a degree in mining engineering,[19] and after much persuasion and "a lot of crying", her parents had agreed to let Tyla take a year off university to attempt to lift her music career off the ground.

[27][28] Heven Haile of Pitchfork described it as a "slick club anthem that channels the seductive pop-R&B hits of mid-2000s Ciara and Rihanna".

[37] Tyla became the first and youngest-ever South African soloist in 55 years to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 with "Water", following Hugh Masekela's "Grazing in the Grass" in 1968.

[57] On 11 October 2024, Tyla released the deluxe edition of her self-tilted debut studio album comprising three additional songs including "Push 2 Start".

[62][63] On November 11, 2024, she made her debut appearance at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), performing her singles "Push 2 Start" and "Water".

[64] "When I was a kid, I always hoped that a pop star like Rihanna, Britney Spears or Michael Jackson would come out of South Africa.

Now, for the people of my hometown, I want to be a pop star who represents South Africa" Tyla's biggest musical influences include Michael Jackson, Rihanna,[66] Britney Spears,[67] Drake, Wizkid,[68] Freshlyground,[10] Aaliyah[66] and Cassie.

[73] Headling Supporting Tyla was named the inaugural winner for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.