From Grammy Win to Global Stardom, South Africa’s Gen Z Pop Star Reflects on Her Meteoric Journey.
E247mag reports: South African pop singer Tyla, who made history as the first recipient of the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, has shared that she was emotionally unprepared for the overwhelming global fame that followed her viral hit song, “Water.”
The 22-year-old singer, whose unique blend of amapiano, pop, and R&B has positioned her as a Gen Z voice from Africa to the world, opened up during an exclusive interview with Variety about the psychological toll that sudden stardom had on her. Despite scoring top 10 positions in over 40 countries, including a record-breaking No. 7 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, Tyla admitted the spotlight caught her off guard.
> “When ‘Water’ happened, I wasn’t ready,” she confessed. “I was still figuring things out. I felt like I was thrown into the deep end and expected to swim.”
The Making of a Global Hit: How ‘Water’ Changed Everything
“Water,” which debuted in 2023, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, thanks in part to a viral TikTok dance challenge and its hypnotic amapiano beat. Tyla became a household name almost overnight, with the track receiving:
. Double diamond certification in Brazil
. Over 1 billion streams across platforms
. Recognition as one of the top African crossover songs of the decade
It also set the stage for her to win the first-ever Grammy for Best African Music Performance in 2024, a major milestone in the Recording Academy’s effort to recognize African genres on a global stage.
Tyla vs The Industry Machine: Why She Said “No” to Pop Conformity
Tyla’s honesty also highlighted the personal cost of commercial success. She revealed how pressure from the industry to fit a Western pop image clashed with her own vision as an African artist.
> “I was obsessing over doing everything perfectly. I needed time to make mistakes, to explore. But everything came all at once.”
Rather than allow herself to be reshaped into a stereotypical pop star, Tyla said she intentionally pushed back against that pressure—insisting on incorporating her South African roots into every creative decision.
This resonates with a growing trend of young African artists—like Ayra Starr, Rema, and Asake—insisting on global success on their own terms.
A New Chapter: What’s Next for Tyla?
Despite a major tour cancellation due to injury in early 2025, Tyla says she’s now focused on her second album, promising a “totally different vibe.” She described the upcoming project as more confident, experimental, and true to who she’s becoming.
> “I’m no longer trying to prove myself,” she said. “Now I just want to create. I’m stepping into my power.”
With one Grammy already under her belt and a fanbase that spans continents, Tyla’s evolution from a viral star to a respected global artist is well underway.
Fans React: Love, Support, and Shared Struggles
Social media has lit up in support of her honesty. Fans across TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) praised her vulnerability and celebrated her resilience:
“Tyla saying she wasn’t ready makes me love her even more. She’s so real.” — @MzansiMuse
“She’s carrying South African music on her back and doing it with grace.” — @AfrobeatsUpdate