South African artist Tyla is making significant strides in the international music industry. In a recent interview with Dotty on Apple Music’s The Dotty Show, Tyla discussed her swift ascent, her latest album, her South African heritage, and what’s ahead in her musical journey.
“I Bring the ‘A’ to Pop”: Tyla Talks Global Stardom, South African Roots and Her New Music with Dotty
Tyla’s influence continues to grow, bolstered by her latest album, which is gaining traction in her home country. During her discussion with Dotty, she touched on themes of global recognition, her cultural background, and her forthcoming projects.
[Dotty:] It’s my turn, isn’t it? We’re good, we’re good. All right, it is not summer until Tyla joins me in the Dotty Show studio. Good to have you back. How are you?
[Tyla:] I’m amazing, how are you?
[Dotty:] I’m very good. Last time I saw you was last July, so it’s been one full year.
[Tyla:] A year!
[Dotty:] It’s been a full year. I’ve seen you, like, in the streets, at the parties, but the last time you joined me on the show, one year ago. Since then, you’ve been featured on Travis Scott’s album, Cardi B’s album, Teyana Taylor’s album, and Molly reached out to you for a song. What is it like transitioning from being a newcomer to an in-demand artist for established names?
[Tyla:] It’s interesting. It feels really good to be in demand, you know? It’s exciting.
[Dotty:] Do you have a favorite feature from the past year?
[Tyla:] A favorite feature? There’s one upcoming that I think is fun. Can I mention it? Not sure if I can.
[Dotty:] You might as well.
[Tyla:] Ah, I’m not sure if I’m allowed yet, but it’s a fun one.
You know… okay, you know the “two biscuits and a…”, you know that?
[Dotty:] What song is that?
[Tyla:] Ah, you’ll find out.
[Dotty:] Oh, you’re keeping it under wraps. I feel like someone’s at the door saying “do not say”.
[Tyla:] Yeah, maybe.
[Dotty:] Do not mention it.
[Tyla:] Oh, really? Yeah.
[Dotty:] Okay. Shout out Colin with the sign-off. So, tell me, whose song are you featuring on?
[Tyla:] Okay, I don’t want to disclose too much right now. Let’s move on.
[Dotty:] Oh man, I thought I was about to get an exclusive. That’s wild.
[Tyla:] No, that’s sufficient.
[Dotty:] Your debut album, Tyla, has been released. It arrives just two years after your first single. What motivates you at this moment? You’ve been consistently active since your entrance into the music scene.
[Tyla:] What drives me now? I created an album that I genuinely enjoy. I listen to it and vibe with it. I want others to experience it too. I’m looking forward to performing it and going on tour, and all that good stuff. Yeah.
[Dotty:] Yeah. When we saw the album title, it seemed clear that you aimed for something commercially viable. Was that a factor in your mind? Are you aiming for the big hit now?
[Tyla:] I wouldn’t say that’s my goal. The album title actually came first, and as I worked on the album, it began to make more sense. It’s pop from my perspective—how I see myself as a pop artist. Yeah.
[Dotty:] And while it might be a nod to K-pop, as an industry, it is massive. They cultivate not just artists but global icons. Did you consider that K-pop model when working on your project?
[Tyla:] Not really. During the project, I was focused solely on the music I wanted to create. I know everyone is looking for a profound answer, but I truly believe the album evolved naturally. I went through many experiences last year, and as I made music during that time, I just created what felt right in the moment. It’s a journey and it’s Tyla.
[Dotty:] Speaking of it being uniquely Tyla, your album features South African artists. Was it essential for you, even while aiming for the big leagues, to produce something that reflects your roots?
[Tyla:] Hmm, I didn’t initially know what the album would sound like. When I returned home and finalized it in the bush, I invited many South African artists to collaborate because I genuinely admire their work. We started making music together, and those collaborations resonated with me. Initially, I had no intention of including features. But Zara was my first feature, and I ended up inviting more artists to collaborate, and those were the ones that resonated.
[Dotty:] Those made the final cut. We noticed early on that your music, rooted in South Africa, possesses a global appeal. It feels like you’ve always aimed for mainstream acceptance. Is there ever concern about fully making that leap? Songs like “Fairytale” seem very mainstream. Do you worry that as you grow, you might distance yourself from your fans back home?
[Tyla:] You know, I will always connect to my South African heritage. Even if I make a very mainstream pop song, I will forever be South African. I feel like I contribute the “A” to pop music. Regardless of my sound, my roots will always be a part of me.
[Dotty:] I love that. Which song on the album are you most proud of?
[Tyla:] Oh, I love all of them. But I think I really felt like an artist when we created “Hot Tubs” because the vibe in the room was fantastic. We were feeding off each other’s energy. There was a moment when we accidentally changed the beat key, and we decided to keep it that way. It felt like we were making something special. I’d probably say “Hot Tubs” because it aligns closely with what I enjoy creating and performing.
[Dotty:] Great choice. Let’s play that track now. Here’s Tyla with “Hot Tubs”.
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[Dotty:] That was Tyla with “Hot Tubs”, which is part of her new album, Tyla, now available for streaming. With your newfound global attention, is there an older Tyla track that you’d like listeners to revisit after they finish your album?
[Tyla:] Yes, “Breathe Me”.
[Dotty:] That’s a great choice. What makes you want people to rediscover that song?
[Tyla:] It’s always been my favorite from the album. I connect deeply with the lyrics and the vibes, and when I perform it, I see the impact it has on people. So I’d definitely recommend “Breathe Me”.
[Dotty:] And “On My Body”. I feel like I bring this one up every time we chat.
[Dotty:] Yeah. And “On My Body”. I feel like I reference this song all the time when I see you.
[Tyla:] I know.
[Dotty:] Are we ever going to get a music video for that song?
[Tyla:] I don’t know. Perhaps on the 10-year anniversary of the album.
[Dotty:] That might be a good time for it. And “Been Thinking”. Whenever people discover your music, I always say, have you heard “Been Thinking”? They must check that one out. When reflecting on the past few years, how proud are you of what you’ve accomplished?
[Tyla:] Hmm, I feel proud. Sometimes I need to remind myself of that. When you’re in the thick of it, you tend to focus on moving forward and don’t really take a moment to appreciate what you’ve already done. I keep a small book…
[Dotty:] What’s inside the book?
[Tyla:] It’s adorable. I’ve started scrapbooking recently. I print out pictures and documents of things I’ve achieved and goals I still want to reach. I occasionally look through those pages, seeing things like the Grammys and Victoria’s Secret appearances, and think, “Wow, I’ve done quite a bit.” Then I remind myself it’s time to look towards the future.
[Dotty:] What’s next? What goals do you have that you haven’t yet achieved?
[Tyla:] There are many that I prefer not to disclose because I want to let them unfold naturally.
[Dotty:] You don’t want to put that out there too soon?
[Tyla:] Exactly. I believe that when you share too much, it can slip away. So, yeah.
[Dotty:] Before you go, I have something I do on this show called ultimate song, where I try to pinpoint someone’s ultimate track. For you, what is the ultimate Tyla song among all your records?
[Tyla:] What do you mean by ultimate Tyla song?
[Dotty:] If you were to select a single standout track from your entire collection…
[Tyla:] Yes.
[Dotty:] What song would top the list? It doesn’t need to focus solely on popularity; it can reflect its significance or how it impacted your journey.
[Tyla:] Ooh… That’s tough. For now, I’d say “Mr. Nonchalant”.
[Dotty:] Really?
[Tyla:] Yes. Because it feels different for me, yet it’s still authentically me. So, yes.
[Dotty:] I thought you might say “Water”; that seems like the obvious choice.
[Tyla:] That’s valid, you know? It’s like my precious baby, and I adore it.
[Dotty:] It’s fantastic, but for me, “Push 2 Start” feels like the quintessential Tyla song.
[Tyla:] Oh man, that question is challenging! It could easily be “Water” or “Push 2 Start”. I’m saying “Mr. Nonchalant” because it represents me right now. They all hold a special place.
[Dotty:] Thank you so much for joining me in the Dotty Show studio. Tyla’s debut album, Tyla, is available now.
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[Dotty:] Mhm.
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