South African pop phenomenon Tyla has captivated the music world with her latest accomplishment, as her infectious single “Water” has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as of January 16. At just 21 years old, Tyla’s meteoric rise to fame has been fueled by this viral sensation, sparking a global dance challenge phenomenon on TikTok and gripping millions of fans worldwide.

Wrapping up 2023 with the announcement of her inaugural North American and European tour, Tyla has kicked off the new year with this significant milestone. Beyond the United States, her reach has been phenomenal, with “Water” receiving three platinum certifications in South Africa and Brazil, along with multiple platinum accolades in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. The young artist’s appeal is undeniable, as evidenced by gold certifications across a diverse range of countries including the UK, France, Portugal, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden, Greece, Turkey, and Belgium.

Since its release on July 28, 2023, “Water” has seen an unstoppable ascent, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and making Tyla the highest-charting African female solo artist in the chart’s history. Her journey has been marked by high-profile performances and national television appearances, including a memorable debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in October 2023, and a standout performance blending “Water” with “Truth or Dare” on The Voice finale in December.

As 2023 drew to a close, Tyla’s performance of her hit on ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve marked a pivotal moment in her career trajectory. Her influence was further cemented when former President Barack Obama included “Water” in his favorite music picks for 2023.

Yet, this is just the beginning for Tyla. She is currently preparing for the release of her self-titled debut album, which promises to feature not only the global hit “Water” but also other anticipated tracks like “On & On” and “Truth Or Dare.” Her unique popiano sound, a fusion of amapiano and pop, has already enchanted fans through her studio performance on Colors, showcasing her new single “On & On.”

In a candid conversation with Apple Music’s New Music Daily Radio With Zane Lowe, Tyla opened up about the life-altering impact of “Water” and the excitement and challenges that come with her rapidly growing fame. “It’s beautiful to see how a song can change your life. I’m thrilled that people love the sound coming from home,” she shared. Tyla also reflected on adjusting to her new reality, highlighting the shift in her lifestyle since her rise to fame.

With her unique sound and undeniable charisma, Tyla is not just an artist to watch; she’s a global music sensation reshaping the landscape of pop music.

Ntianu Obiora
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Ntianu Obiora is a versatile creative professional with over a decade of experience in publishing, marketing, communications, and digital strategy. She is the Online Editor at THEWILL DOWNTOWN