South African singer Tyla Laura Seethal, simply known as Tyla has credited Nigerian singer Asake for inspiring her viral hit ‘Water.
The song has gained widespread popularity across Africa and beyond, with people unable to stop singing along to its catchy chorus.
According to Tyla in her interview with Rolling Stone, Asake’s “step vocals,” which sound like a choir, inspired her to incorporate a similar sound into ‘Water’.
She said, “Amapiano music is the core of it [‘Water’] in my opinion. And just all of the influences from growing up like Rihanna and all the R&B girlies, R&B boys, pop girls. That type of influences I love bringing into my music.
She first gained recognition when she dropped the Amapiano dance-themed song, ‘Getting late’.
She released “Water”as the lead single from her upcoming debut studio album Tyla on 28 July 2023 through Fax and Epic Records.
The song has been a hit across Africa and beyond, with its infectious melody and powerful vocals.
The breakthrough single earned Tyla a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance, and she did so well that she even stopped by The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in October for her first U.S. TV performance of the song.
Tyla understands the demands of new-age artistry, but intuition and intention fuel her craft as she works towards her debut album. She joins fellow South Africans Sio and Elaine, who have previously headlined the programme.
EQUAL Africa seeks to spotlight and amplifies the voices of African female artists, breaking down barriers and making waves in music.
In addition, it amplifies their music by exposing their catalogue to global listenership.
Something I really love in Afrobeats music is when I hear those step vocals that sound like a choir, almost. And I really love the way Asake uses it. I just always love the way it sounds.
So, with the chorus [of my song ‘Water,’ I incorporated it]. Obviously, people can’t stop singing, they can’t get it out of their minds, which I love,” she added.
Tyla’s journey into South African music industry began with writing song lyrics in her diary at 12. She describes music as ”her calling”, something ”that came naturally”.
