Let’s get one thing out of the way: Tyla didn’t just release an album—she made a statement.
The Grammy Award-winning superstar dropped A*POP, a bold 14-track collection that seamlessly merges pop, amapiano, R&B, house, and beyond. Following the album’s introduction, she announced The A*POP World Tour—her first global headlining tour that will span Europe, the UK, North America, and Africa. This is how one builds a legacy.
Over the past five days, I have immersed myself in this album. There was no rushing to post initial reactions, just an opportunity to truly absorb the music. I listened repeatedly, focusing on every detail and reference, and it became abundantly clear: A*POP stands out as one of the most significant projects emerging from Africa in recent times. This album does not simply follow trends; it seeks to carve out its distinct path.
A persistent challenge has been the tendency of some international audiences to categorize Tyla according to expectations that do not align with the essence of South African music. At some point, it appears that there has been a consensus that African artists should only resonate with Afrobeats. But why?
South African music has always had its unique sound, well before amapiano gained global popularity. For decades, house music pioneers have been pivotal in shaping dance culture. Pioneering figures like Liquid Deep created sounds that remain timeless. This historical context warrants equal recognition.
Instead of fitting into predetermined molds, Tyla has employed A*POP to present a refreshed perspective on South African music. This is what sets this album apart. It emphasizes that African music is not confined to a singular sound but consists of a diverse range of styles. With careful listening, one can perceive moments that resonate like personal tributes to her roots.
Tyla’s “KISS” evokes memories of DJ Clock’s classic Kiss & Say Goodbye. Whether this parallel was intended or not, it resonates. Additionally, the rhythms in “I Don’t Care”, featuring Babalwa M , carry hints of the soulful house vibe that artists like Black Coffee have popularized for years, with tracks like ‘Drive’ coming to mind.
This reflects the essence of South African music. It honors legacy artists while simultaneously advancing the culture. One of the most surprising elements of the album is the collaboration with MaWhoo. Her inclusion wasn’t widely anticipated, but her contribution is powerful. She doesn’t merely make an appearance—she asserts her presence. This highlights that Tyla is not seeking to carry the mantle alone but aims to create opportunities for other South African artists to share the spotlight.
With 14 tracks in total, Tyla has opted for a concise guest list that includes Liquid Deep, Zara Larsson, MaWhoo, and Babalwa M. The outcome is an album that feels cohesive, purposeful, and highly personal. Will it receive criticism? Certainly. Every iconic pop artist endures scrutiny at some point. Figures like Britney Spears and Madonna faced their share of backlash. Artists who influence their culture typically encounter critique. What distinguishes Tyla is that she now commands a global audience—along with an expanding fanbase—eager to applaud her growth while she continually reshapes the perception of African pop music.
The album also features subtle elements like the lively “Yebo!” chants and distinctly South African rhythms. These nuanced references, familiar only to local listeners, are intentional. They serve as reminders that despite Tyla’s rising international profile, she remains deeply connected to her roots.
As if the album release wasn’t impressive enough, Tyla has now revealed The A*POP World Tour, marking a significant career achievement. The tour is set to commence on October 12 in Paris and will continue through cities like Amsterdam, London, Glasgow, Manchester, Berlin, and Stockholm among others. Following the European leg, the tour will move to North America starting November 12, with stops in cities such as San Francisco, Vancouver, Chicago, Toronto, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas before concluding in Africa—the continent that kickstarted it all. The African portion will feature concerts in Lagos, Cape Town, and Johannesburg, bringing the global festivities back to her roots.
For an artist who not long ago introduced herself to the world with “Water,” this marks a pivotal chapter in her journey. A*POP serves not merely as an album release; it stands as testimony that South African music has always had a global presence, and the world is only beginning to recognize it.
