South Africa
South Africa
Tyla Laura Seethal
Tyla Biography: Age, Height, Parents, Ethnicity & Grammy-Winning
Discover Tyla’s full biography: age, height, parents, ethnicity, top songs, Grammy awards, and her journey to global pop fame.
7/3/25, 4:45 PM
2035-01-01T00:00:00.000Z
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2001-02-01T00:00:00.000Z
Early Life and Musical Roots
Tyla Laura Seethal, professionally known as Tyla, was born on January 30, 2002, in Edenvale, Gauteng, South Africa. Growing up in Johannesburg, she was one of four children raised in a musically rich household by her parents, Sharleen and Sherwin Seethal. Her childhood was filled with the sounds of Aaliyah, Boyz II Men, Michael Jackson, Mi Casa, and Rihanna, fostering her dream of becoming a global music star.
From as early as age 12, Tyla was writing songs in her diary and creating music for family celebrations like Father’s Day and Mother’s Day. In high school, she started posting covers and original songs online while spending weekends recording in local studios. Despite family concerns about the instability of a music career, Tyla remained determined, even considering mining engineering before fully committing to her artistic path.
“Mom and Dad, I’m so sorry, but I’m gonna go for this,” she told her parents when choosing music over a traditional career.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Tyla’s first major breakthrough came in 2020 with her single Getting Late featuring Kooldrink, which gained viral attention in South Africa. But it was her 2023 global hit “Water” that catapulted her to international fame. The song sparked the viral #WaterChallenge on TikTok, amassing over 9.6 billion views and inspiring millions worldwide with its catchy beat and dance.
“Water” not only topped the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart but also reached the Top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its success earned Tyla performances on major platforms like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and coverage by Rolling Stone, Billboard, Cosmopolitan, and i-D Magazine.
Achievements and Genre Innovation
Tyla’s music is known for blending pop with South African Amapiano, creating what she calls “popiano.” Her dedication to genre innovation earned her:
First Grammy win for Best African Music Performance in 2024 with “Water”
Viral international success with “Water”
Release of her debut album “Tyla” and its deluxe version, achieving global chart success
Pioneer status as a Gen Z African pop star, redefining world music trends
Heritage, Identity, and Vision
Tyla identifies as a Coloured woman in South Africa, embracing her Zulu, Irish, Mauritian, and Indian ancestry, while also recognizing her Black identity globally. She has addressed misconceptions about her racial identity online, affirming:
“Never denied my blackness. I’m mixed with black/Zulu, Irish, Mauritian/Indian and Coloured.”
Her music often references her hometown, as in lyrics like “They never had a pretty girl from Jo'burg” and “From Jozi to Ibiza,” showcasing her pride in her roots while pursuing global dreams.
Personal Life and Confidence Journey
Despite facing imposter syndrome and doubting her abilities early on, Tyla’s family, friends, and team encouraged her to keep going. She credits Rihanna as an inspiration to “open a window to people in Africa,” proving that African-born artists can top global charts.
“I want to be the biggest pop star, not just the biggest African pop star.”
Key Events in Tyla’s Journey
Year | Event | Significance |
2002 | Born | Johannesburg, South Africa |
2020 | Released Getting Late | First major single gaining national attention |
2023 | Released Water | Viral global hit, sparked #WaterChallenge |
2024 | Grammy win | First Best African Music Performance winner |
Legacy and Impact
Tyla is shaping a new legacy in pop music by:
✔ Elevating African music styles globally
✔ Inspiring young African musicians to blend genres
✔ Breaking cultural barriers with award-winning hits
✔ Remaining authentic while redefining global pop
Looking Ahead
With her signature mix of pop, Afrobeats, and Amapiano, Tyla is poised to become a household name worldwide. Her focus remains on performing globally and continuing to inspire fans with her confident, genre-bending sound.
“I can’t wait for the day I perform in front of thousands of people outside of Africa… for people to know that I’m the girl from South Africa with songs on their radios.”
Tyla FAQs
Q1: What is Tyla's height?
A: Tyla is 5 feet 3 inches tall (160 cm).
Q2: How old is Tyla?
A: Tyla is 22 years old, born on January 30, 2002.
Q3: Who are Tyla's parents?
A: Tyla's parents are Sharleen and Sherwin Seethal. She grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, in a supportive, musically rich household.
Q4: What is Tyla's song 'Water' about?
A: "Water" is a vibrant, flirtatious song blending pop and Amapiano beats. It became a global hit, sparking the viral #WaterChallenge on TikTok with over 9.6 billion views.
Q5: What is Tyla's net worth?
A: While her exact net worth isn’t publicly confirmed, estimates place it between $1 million – $3 million USD, driven by streaming revenue, performances, and endorsements.
Q6: Does Tyla have a Wikipedia page?
A: Yes, Tyla has an official Wikipedia page detailing her biography, career milestones, and awards.
Q7: What are Tyla's most popular songs?
A: Tyla's top songs include:
Water (2023)
Getting Late (2020)
Been Thinking
To Last
Q8: What is Tyla's ethnicity?
A: Tyla has mixed heritage, including Zulu, Irish, Mauritian, and Indian ancestry.
Q9: What are the lyrics to Tyla's "Water"?
A: The "Water" lyrics include the viral chorus:
“Make me sweat, make me hotter / Make me lose my breath, make me water.”For the full lyrics, check her official music platforms.
Q10: What is Tyla's real name?
A: Tyla’s real name is Tyla Laura Seethal.
Q11: What awards has Tyla won?
A: Tyla won the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024 for “Water” and has been nominated for several international music awards recognizing her impact.
