• Like a new Icon.
• 2023 – Tyla’s year 2023.
• Between artistry, heritage, and performance.
• In the footsteps of a trailblazer.

Rising star, Tyla, is making waves in similar ways that the legendary Miriam Makeba did when she broke out as an artist. While times and pressures are different, in many ways she is the modern echo of a young Miriam Makeba. As Tyla gains recognition in the U.S and beyond, her musical style – characterised by a unique blend of genres, particularly Amapiano – and popularity, reflect the legacy of the iconic Makeba. South African music is indeed a rich and vibrant tapestry as, into its weft are woven traditions, heritage, innovation, and immense talent. Upon the arrival of a new South African star, it is no doubt that both are cut from the same cloth.

Like an Icon.

Tyla’s journey to international recognition mirrors the trajectory of Makeba. Miriam’s mentor, Harry Belafonte (an American singer, actor, and civil rights activist, who popularized calypso music with international audiences in the 1950s and 1960s), helped her with her first solo recordings in the USA, including “Pata Pata”, which propelled her to become the first African artist to break the US Billboard Top 10. The song was described by Musician magazine as a “groundbreaking Afropop gem”. Together with a version of the traditional Xhosa song “Qongqothwane” (“The Click Song” –  one of her most famous hits in the US), she broke through barriers to captivate global audiences. With Belafonte she won a Grammy Award in the 60s, and certainly became Africa’s first global pop star.

Tyla, too, with “Water”, a slinky bop that melds the worlds of Pop, R&B, Afrobeats and Amapiano together for maximum effect, has blown through the U.S, like a praise singer’s cry. She has caught the attention of music enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. Her ability to transcend borders and connect with diverse audiences is reminiscent of Makeba’s universal appeal. A familiar echo of the narrative of a South African artist breaking into the global mainstream, redolent of the trailblazing path carved by Makeba.

Tyla’s year 2023.

In a conjunction of significant, legend building moments, Tyla has taken the globe by storm in 2023. Her performance in 2023 during the Dolce & Gabbana afterparty at Milan Fashion Week announced a new star. It followed the release of her single, “Been Thinking”. The single earned Tyla her first chart placements of her career, on the Billboard Mainstream R&B/Hip Hop Airplay and Rhythmic Airplay charts. 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”. Tyla then joined Chris Brown as the opening act for the European leg of his ‘Under the Influence’ Tour. In May 2023, she released the single “Girl Next Door”, featuring Nigerian singer Ayra Starr (a Wire favourite).

The breakout song , though, was “Water”, which was released in July 2023, and – as we do in Africa – spawned a viral dance challenge on TikTok. The song entered the top 10 in New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, where it topped the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.

With its monumental arrival at number 67, “Water” made Tyla the youngest-ever South African and the first South African soloist in 55 years to enter the US Billboard Hot 100. This follows both Miriam Makeba (“Pata Pata” – 1967) and Hugh Masekela’s “Grazing in the Grass” in 1968. “Water” would peak at number 18.

The zeitgeist only gained momentum with her performing the song live on The Bianca Show in Sweden and on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon in the United States. (Mirriam Makeba also burst onto the US scene via television. She too made her US music debut in 1959 on The Steve Allen Show in Los Angeles for a television audience of 60 million.)

The accompanying music video for “Water”, released on 7 October 2023, accumulated 3 million views on YouTube in three days. Her nomination for Best African Music Performance with “Water” at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, a Soul Train Music Award, and two South African Music Awards. heralded the arrival of a remix featuring Hip Hop star and culture shifter Travis Scott. Not bad for a 21-year-old.

Between artistry, heritage, and performance.

Tyla’s musical style is a melting pot of influences, drawing from South African traditions, Amapiano, Afrobeat, and contemporary global sounds. This eclectic mix is similarly reminiscent of Miriam Makeba’s ability to seamlessly blend indigenous rhythms and explore popular African music, along with international genres like jazz, and world music. Tyla’s soulful voice and dynamic performances echo Makeba’s powerful stage presence, infused with a strong sense of identity and cultural heritage. Miriam is known for having a dynamic vocal range and was described as having an emotional awareness during her performances. She occasionally danced during her shows and was described as having a sensuous presence on stage. There too exists a burgeoning sensuality to Tyla’s performances including the hypnotic Bacardi infused hip syncopation, but with the promise of a woman still to come into her own.

In the footsteps of a trailblazer.

Of course, Miriam Makeba is a legend in the music industry. Hers is an immense legacy of singer, songwriter, actress, civil rights activist, and advocate against apartheid. But the arrival of Tyla harkens back a familiar sprit. Just as Miriam Makeba became a household name with her timeless hits like “Pata Pata”, “The Click Song” and “Malaika”, Tyla too has come into popularity with her chart-topping singles and association with other megastar talent. No doubt the digital era has amplified Tyla’s reach, allowing her to connect with a global audience instantaneously. Social media platforms and streaming services have played a crucial role in propelling Tyla to stardom, mirroring the impact of the global media on Makeba’s career. Tyla’s rising popularity suggests that she is not just an artist of the moment but a potential torchbearer of South African music on the world stage. It’s not unlikely that Tyla may follow in the footsteps of Makeba and contribute to the narrative of South African artists reclaiming their space on the international stage.