South Africa’s Tyla Receives Grammy Nomination
Tyla, also known as Tyla Laura Seethal, has swiftly made her mark on the global music scene, earning a nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for her breakout hit “Water.”
Born on January 30, 2002, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tyla’s diverse background includes Zulu, Indian, and Mauritian heritage.
Graduating from Edenglen High School in 2019, Tyla initially pursued a degree in mining engineering before fully embracing her love for music.
Her journey began with Instagram covers and original songs, catching the eye of her first manager, Garth von Glehn, who guided her entry into the music industry.
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In 2019, her debut single, “Getting Late,” featuring Kooldrink, gained national success, with the music video earning a nomination for Music Video of the Year at the 28th South African Music Awards in 2022. Signing with Epic Records in the United States marked a turning point in her career.
The breakthrough came in 2023, starting with her debut performance at the Dolce & Gabbana afterparty during Milan Fashion Week. “Been Thinking” preceded her first chart appearances on the Billboard Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Rhythmic Airplay charts. Joining Chris Brown as the opening act for the European leg of his Under the Influence Tour followed this success.
Her single “Water” made waves globally, reaching the top 10 in various countries and making her the youngest South African soloist to grace the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years.
The pinnacle of Tyla’s rise occurred on November 10, 2023, with the announcement of her Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for “Water.” This recognition solidifies her status as a global music phenomenon, having conquered charts and graced international stages, including a memorable performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

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