Tyla is a 24-year-old singer from Johannesburg, South Africa, who blew up globally with her 2023 hit “Water.” She was born Tyla Laura Seethal on January 30, 2002, in Edenvale, and grew up in a musically packed household with her mom, dad, and three sisters. She started uploading song covers online as a kid and even wrote her own songs in her diary by age 12. Before chasing music full-time, she was about to study mining engineering but dropped out instead.
Before Fame
Her debut single “Getting Late” in 2019 got her noticed in South Africa, and she signed with Epic Records in 2021. She spent years posting covers on TikTok during the pandemic and building a small following before “Water” changed everything.
Career
“Water” went viral on TikTok with nearly 500 million views, becoming the first solo South African song on the Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years.
In 2024, she won her first Grammy for Best African Music Performance, then won a second one in 2026 for “Push 2 Start,” beating Davido and others. She’s also won BET Awards, MTV VMAs, and South African Music Awards. Tyla blends pop, R&B, and amapiano into what she calls “popiano.”
Trivia
She’s part Zulu, Irish, Mauritian, and Indian, and she choreographed the “Water” dance herself. Outside music, she paints, draws, and has a crush on Lil Tecca. She once complained her Grammy was too heavy to carry around all night.
Family Life
Tyla was raised by her parents Sharleen and Sherwin Seethal alongside three sisters. Her mom encouraged her singing, her aunt taught her belly dancing, and her grandmother who’s a former singing competition participant pushed her to perfect her craft.
The family played Aaliyah, Boyz II Men, Michael Jackson, Mi Casa, and Rihanna at home. She’s currently single.
Net Worth
Her net worth is estimated around $8–15 million as of 2026.