I recently learned about Tyla, and wow, her story was out of this world. Whatever you do, don’t quit working hard and being yourself because you really can move mountains.
Things weren’t easy for Tyla. She was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and didn’t leave the country until 2003 at age twenty. But music was always her thing. Whether she was singing in choirs as a little girl or posting random covers on Instagram in high school — she had the bug.
Getting Late was Tyla’s first single; she dropped it after graduating high school in 2019. Right when things were starting to pick up, COVID-19 hit, and she couldn’t promote her music anymore. So she went to college for mining engineering — something her family wanted for her — but deep down she knew music was it.
It wasn’t easy getting her family on board with letting her pursue music full-time. They wanted education to be the priority — but eventually they gave her a year to chase her dream.
She didn't waste time either… hustling to make things happen by filming music videos with her manager off a shoestring budget.
When signed to Epic Records after putting in a lot of effort, it was clear that she was going places. She put out more singles and things really took off for her in 2023 when she supported Chris Brown on his European tour.
However, everything changed for her with the release of Water. The track became a smash hit worldwide and since then there has been no stopping Tyla.
What I find most inspiring about Tyla’s story is her realness. She didn’t pretend to be somebody that she wasn’t or go after what was popular at the time. Instead, she embraced where she came from in South Africa which can be seen through both her music and dance style. It just goes to show that staying true to yourself is the only way you will ever make it.
The reason why I connect so deeply with Tyla’s journey is because I always say passion knows no bounds. There were times when people told me I couldn’t do something or doubted my abilities but like her, those moments only fueled me even more! Her life serves as a constant reminder for me not give up on myself no matter how hard things may get
Tyla’s story teaches us one thing:
success does not happen overnight. It takes years of hard work, determination and staying through to yourself no matter what. If you do these things, then anything can be achieved.
I have great admiration for Tyla, who went against all odds in pursuit of her dreams; she is not just making music but also making history as the youngest African artiste to win Grammy Awards. Her dream of becoming Africa’s first ever pop star is almost coming into reality and I am really looking forward towards seeing this happen.
Amidst a world where it is very easy to adhere or follow others’ steps blindly; Tyla’s tale is like a breath of fresh air. She reminds us that our uniqueness lies in being different from everyone else around us which makes each person special; so remaining true unto oneself guarantees success.