Nairobi, February 18- Rising music star Tyla has shared how fame has drastically changed her life, making it impossible to enjoy simple everyday activities without security.
The 23-year-old South African singer shot to stardom in July 2023 after releasing her hit single Water, which gained massive popularity thanks to a viral TikTok dance trend. While she’s grateful for her success and devoted fanbase, she admits that fame has come at the cost of her privacy and ability to do regular things—like casually grabbing a meal at Nando’s.
As the cover star for British Vogue’s March issue, Tyla revealed her struggles with adjusting to her new reality. “I just miss being able to walk around. Or sit in the park. Or go to Nando’s,” she said, recalling how a recent visit turned into an impromptu singalong when customers started belting out Water’s iconic lyrics: ‘Make me sweat…’
In 2024, Tyla made history by winning the first-ever Grammy for Best African Music Performance for Water, triumphing over industry heavyweights like Burna Boy and Davido. However, her moment at the MTV Music Video Awards sparked criticism when she asked fellow artist Lil Nas X to hold her trophy while delivering her speech. Some labeled her “entitled,” but she was baffled by the reaction.
“I was confused because he’s a friend, and those awards are heavy!” she explained. “At that moment, I had an important message to share, and I didn’t want to struggle with the trophy while speaking.”
With fame also comes the responsibility of navigating the music industry safely. Tyla has always taken precautions, especially as a young woman in the business, ensuring she is never alone in recording studios.
Reflecting on her parents’ concerns, she shared, “They’ve always been protective. Even before Water, I never went to the studio alone. I was very careful.”
Despite the challenges, the Jump singer is proud of the person she has become. She opened up about struggling with self-acceptance during her early years, particularly while attending a predominantly white primary school. However, her perspective shifted when she joined a high school with a strong Black cultural identity.
“That’s where I really learned to love myself and became proud of who I am,” she said.
Tyla’s full interview is featured in the March issue of British Vogue, available digitally and on newsstands from February 25.
