Here is a rewritten version of the title: "Getting to Know Tyla: All About the Singer and 2025 Kids' Choice Awards Host
Tyla, whose real name is Tyla Laura Seethal, is a 23-year-old singer who has been making waves in the music industry. Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, she started her career path by switching from mining engineering to singing.
“I really looked up to Michael Jackson as a performer specifically,” Tyla told People in an interview. “I also looked up to Rihanna and Aaliyah as well.”
Tyla's song 'Water' was a huge hit
Tyla released her single "Water" in July 2023, which became an instant hit, reaching number one in New Zealand and top ten in the United States, Australia, Africa, and other countries. The music video for "Water" has over 78 million views on YouTube.
“I was so nervous,” Tyla told People about putting out the music video. “like I literally couldn’t sleep. I was just waiting for it to drop. But after I saw the response was good, it was such a relief. I just felt so much better after all that.”
Tyla opened for Chris Brown on tour
Tyla replaced Jamaican rapper Skillibeng as the opening act for Chris Brown's Under the Influence Tour in 2023. She said she “learned a lot” from working with the "Forever" singer, who would give her advice and encouragement.
Tyla was nominated for a Grammy Award
Tyla was nominated for the 2024 Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for "Water." Although she didn't expect to be nominated, she was thrilled when her name popped up during the livestream announcement.
In an interview with Variety, Tyla admitted that she didn’t expect to be nominated. “My label asked me to watch the livestream announce and I was so nervous … And then I saw my name pop up, and I died. I couldn’t stop screaming. I called my family and my best friend who travels with me. She came to my room and we just screamed and screamed.”
Tyla has been called the 'Queen of Popiano'
After making a name for herself in the music industry, multiple publications began calling Tyla the "Queen of Popiano," a combination of pop and amapiano.