Combining R&B, Pop, Afrobeats and South African amapiano, singer and songwriter Tyla Laura Seethal released her new album “TYLA” on March 22, 2024. Tyla has expanded her music out of Johannesburg, South Africa and across the U.S. with 738,558 Spotify followers currently. “TYLA” is her first album, brimming with 14 songs of luxury, personality and energy.
She won the Best African music award at the 2024 Grammys for her single “Water,” also featured on her album. “TYLA” is a melting pot of past treasured singles and new gems with harmonizing instrumentals, lovely background vocals and her calming voice in the foreground. Some featured artists on Tyla’s album include Tems, Travis Scott, Kelvin Momo, Gunna, Becky G and Skillibeng.
Some speculate that in “Truth or Dare,” Tyla is referring to a past relationship that did not prioritize her. Later, when she earns prestige and money, the person craves her attention and wants her back. She knows they are shallow and will keep the relationship closed.
“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),” Tyla sings.
In “Butterflies,” Tyla sings about how her friends warned her about her past significant other’s poor intentions and lies. She is reminiscing on how she should have trusted her friends and shut down the relationship. Tyla could be discussing how she still gets butterflies for her past lover but recognizes their lies and chooses to move on with confidence.
“You give me butterflies / Got me falling in the deep end of your disguise / Sparred with a hundred lies / So I fear this might be my goodbye/ … / Plus you the type to leave me confused / In a maze, trappеd in your rules / Many tried to cleansе me of you / But my heart wants more,” Tyla sings.
Tyla radiates self-acceptance and luxury on “Jump” as she refers to her home city in one lyric.
“I’m back in Joburg, it can’t feel no realer (Realer) / A perfect picture like a Polaroid (Polaroid, haibo)… Told the chauffeur take you to a Chanel store / Ever play with you, it be a world war (Tell ’em double it up),” Tyla sings.
Tyla collaborated with Gunna and Skillibeng on “Jump.” Skillibeng sings about sensuality and adoration toward an individualistic person, allowing listeners to relate to infatuation with another.
“Original girl, you aren’t a replica (No) / Smooth, dean, no regular degular (No) / Pretty for real and pretty pon my cellular (No) / Mi know say ya hot (No),” Skillibeng sings.
Tyla sings “Priorities” with instrumentals of Afrobeats. She acknowledges how she was previously spread too thin for someone else and should have cultivated more time for herself. Her prior relationship occurred at the wrong time, and she could be advising listeners to focus more on finding individual joy.
“I was in the wrong place with the right energy / High off serotonin and callin’ it chemistry / So no more takin’ one for the team / These hands don’t wanna hold onto things / Holdin’ me back from noticin’,” Tyla sings.
In the second verse of the popular song “To Last,” Tyla discusses how the end of a past connection broke her heart, and how someone cannot force feelings that their partner does not hold. Even so, she wanted that first love to last. Despite wrenching breakups, it is oftentimes better to feel broken than staying in a broken relationship.
“Ripped away a part of me / You left mе here to bleed / It’s the way you say, ‘Baby, plеase hold on to me’ / Don’t want you to be a memory (Oh),” Tyla sings.
Scott raps with Tyla in “Water (Remix)” with a serene amapiano soundtrack and harmonious instruments. She explains how she is falling for someone and wants to form a closer connection. She also believes how some men are all talk and wants them to follow up on their promises.
“Normally, I can keep my cool / But tonight, I’m wildin’ / I’ma be (Yeah) in a dangerous mood / Can you match my timing? Mmm,” Tyla sings.
Tyla had teased that her album is a depiction of her entry to womanhood, as she is now 22. “TYLA” shines with confidence and her embracement of South African heritage by writing with popiano.