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Tyla Laura Seethal, professionally known as Tyla is a South African singer who broke out in the international music scene with her viral song, Water.
The 22-year-old blends Amapiano, R&B, and pop to create unique sounds that captivate listeners. She has been dubbed the Queen of Popiano for her ability to seamlessly incorporate the Amapiano and pop genres of music.
The Water hitmaker became the first South African in 55 years to have their song featured on the Billboard Hot 100. She also made history by becoming the youngest African artist to win a Grammy Award in 2024.
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Tyla’s songs have charted in the Top-25 category in different countries. Other awards won by the singer include two BET Awards, a BRIT Award, three iHeartRadio Music Awards, and a Soul Train Music Award amongst others.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion only and is ranked in no particular order.
Water, Girl Next Door and other Tyla's best songs to listen to in 2024
- Water
- Girl Next Door
- Truth or Dare
- Art
- Jump feat Gunna and Skillibeng
- Been Thinking
1) Water
Water is the third single from the South African singer's eponymous studio album, Tyla. Water is an amapiano record blended with elements of R&B and pop.
The Grammy Award-winning song was released on July 28, 2023, and penned by writers including Tricky Stewart, Ariowa Irosogie, Corey Marlon, Tyla, and Imani Lewis.
In the song, the singer uses innuendo to explain her passionate romance with a love interest. The lyrics of the pre-chorus exemplify this:
"Can you blow my mind?/ Set off my whole body/ If I give you my time/ Can you snatch my soul from me?/ I don’t wanna wait. Come take it/ Take me where I ain’t been before/ Can you blow my mind?/ Set off my whole body, whole body,"
Water recently won the Best Afrobeats category at the Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024.
2) Girl Next Door
On May 12, 2023, Tyla collaborated with Nigerian singer-songwriter, Ayra Starr, to release her standalone hit single, Girl Next Door. The songwriters include Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Corey Marlon Lindsay-keay.
Girl Next Door is a track that calls out unserious lovers who treat relationships like games. The artists explain that they have no time for unfaithful lovers using lyrics in the second verse:
"(Yeah, yeah, yeah)/ Goodbye, goodbyе, goodbye to that girl you saw outside/ You know her loving ain't gonna bе better than mine/ And you know I won't waste no time, I can have another you by 9/ You know it's you, why lie?/ So you better just take your time/ I'm just saying,"
Girl Next Door peaked at number 23 on the US Billboard Afrobeats Song Chart.
3) Truth or Dare
Tyla, Samuel Awuku, Imani Lewis, and Jamal Europe, amongst others, are credited as writers on the Truth or Dare track. The dance song was released on February 13, 2024 as a track from the artist's self-titled album, Tyla.
Truth or Dare tells the story of a materialistic male trying to make amends with his ex-lover just because of how much fame and wealth she has earned post-breakup. Verse 2 reads:
"Would you still want me if I didn't have it all? (All)/ You could've had it with me, but instead, you gave it up (Gave it, gave it up)/ Tell me, when is it gonna get through to you? (Ooh)/ Everybody needs somebody, but I can't be your boo (Boo),"
The lyrics continue:
"When they ask you questions 'bout me, tell 'em how you/ How we could've gone places, but you were too impatient (Ah),"
Truth or Dare took the number one and three positions on the UK Afrobeats chart and the US Billboard Afrobeats chart, respectively.
4) Art
Art is the South African singer's third single from her eponymous debut studio album, Tyla. The song was released on April 12, 2024, and written by the singer alongside Ariowa Irosogie, Corey Marlon, and Samuel Awuku.The track explores sensuality and desire as Tyla likens herself to a work of art:
"I'll be your piece/ I'll be your peace/ I'll be your piece/ Your A-R-T/ Study my face (Face), frame (Frame)/ Put me on the wall/ Above the stair (Stair) case (Case)/ If you show me off/ I'll be your piece/ Your A-R-T,"
This Afrobeat record peaked at number 8 on the US R&B Songs Chart.
5) Jump
Jump is the ninth record from the 22-year-old singer's 14-track album, Tyla. The song was released on May 14, 2024, featuring US and Jamaican rappers, Gunna and Skillibeng, respectively.
In Jump, the singer showcases body positivity and self-love whilst also paying homage to her hometown, Johannesburg.
Verse 1 says:
"They never had a pretty girl from Joburg/ See me now, and that's what they prefer/ I don't touch no wheel 'cause I got a chauffeur/ First class how I get 'round the world,"
It continues:
"Just miss me with the drama/ Unless ya comin' with the commas (Double it up)/ Oh, DJ turn the sound up/ 'Cause we 'bout to pour the rounds up (Tell 'em double it up), "
Jump peaked at number three on the US Billboard Afrobeats songs chart.
6) Been Thinking
Been Thinking is an Afrobeat/house music released by the Water hit-maker on January 27, 2023. The song was written by Christopher Stewart, William Lovely, and Theron Thomas.
Been Thinking depicts a girl's obsession with her lover. The lyrics of the club anthem are focused on the girl's fantasies and desire to become his lover. The first verse explains the feeling:
"Cause I don't see no red flags/ Baby, I'm just saying that you it like we're playing tag/ You the best that I never had/ Somebody call up Usher 'cause I got it bad,"
The lyrics continue:
"I'm on your top like a durag/ I'm at your crib where you live/ With a duffel and my Louie bag/ You got my heart, I don't want it back/ I ain't with ya, but I promise if I did I would be attached,"
Been Thinking took the 27th spot on the Billboard Rhythmic Chart.
Tyla recently released the music video for her single Breathe Me on September 4, 2024. The track is featured on her self-titled album which reached the 24th spot on the Billboard 200 chart.
Her resume of award wins and achievements alludes to the popularity of her songs amongst listeners worldwide.
