In an extraordinary achievement for the South African music scene, 21-year-old Tyla, the rising star of the Amapiano genre, has made an impressive entry into the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart with her viral hit “Water.” The Billboard Hot 100 is the renowned US music chart that ranks the most popular tracks each week based on listener engagement.
Billboard magazine announced on its website that Tyla, the talented singer-songwriter, has made her first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with her breakthrough single “Water,” securing the 67th spot. This remarkable feat has garnered international recognition for the young South African artist.
Tyla Laura Seethal, a multi-talented artist known for her singing, dancing, and captivating performances, has quickly emerged as one of the most promising talents in Africa’s music industry. Signed to Epic Records (Sony), she has already achieved significant milestones in her career, including opening for renowned American R&B singer Chris Brown during his European tour this year.
Her single “Water,” released in July, showcases the distinctive Amapiano style that originated in South African townships before gaining global popularity. The track gained rapid traction, especially on TikTok, where a video of Tyla’s dance moves garnered over 70 million views. The official music video, infused with R&B elements, has already amassed over eleven million views on YouTube. Furthermore, “Water” has surpassed the monthly listening figures of the global hit “Jerusalema” by South Africa’s Master KG on Spotify.
Expressing her excitement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Tyla exclaimed, “I’m a South African born and bred in Johannesburg. It’s crazy.” She urged everyone to continue spreading their unique sound worldwide, considering her Billboard success as a victory for the entire African music scene. Tyla is currently preparing for the release of her debut album, which is highly anticipated by her growing fan base.
Tyla’s breakthrough on the Billboard Hot 100 is a testament to the remarkable talent emanating from South Africa and serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists across the continent. Her infectious music and electrifying performances have captivated audiences, propelling her to new heights of success and solidifying her position as a rising star in the global music landscape.
