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Tobias Jesso Jr.: GRAMMY-Winning Canadian Sells His Song Rights

February 23, 2023

Tobias Jesso Jr. You may know his name from his 2015 solo album Goon. Or maybe from his work on various popular songs, such as “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Alive” by Sia. Or even from his rece

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How Popular TV Shows and Movies Resurrect Classic Songs

February 23, 2023

HBO’s The Last of Us is arguably the hottest show out right now, receiving near universal acclaim from viewers and critics alike. This holds especially true for episode three: “Long, Long Time”.

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Ginalina: Bringing Her Taiwan Roots Into Her Latest Album

February 21, 2023

Folk singer. Songwriter. Canadian. Polyglot. All of these titles belong to Gina Lam, also known by her stage name Ginalina. In November 2022, she released her latest album titled Going Back: Remembe

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Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance

February 21, 2023

Rihanna is an illustrious artist. She is among the best selling female artists of all time, and was one of the greatest hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. She has since grown to become the richest...

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How do Streaming Platforms Pay Artists - Is It Fair?

February 20, 2023

Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im

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Why Jay-Z Was Named The #1 Rapper Of All Time

February 23, 2023

Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Is it even possible to crown just one person? Well, Billboard and Vibe did exactly that. And, according to them, that person is Jay-Z. In honor of Hip-Hop’s

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Behind Kaytranada’s Unique Sound

February 18, 2023

Kaytranada (Louis Celestin) is a Haitian-Canadian record producer and DJ. He is a highly acclaimed electronic artist, having earned two Grammys and countless other awards for his work. Kaytranada has

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The Creative Act: Rick Rubin’s Knowledge Turned Into A Book

February 17, 2023

What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer. But who is Rick Rubin? Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the

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Behind the Music: The Audio Engineer

February 14, 2023

The music industry is a place full of musicians, producers, and creators who have the magical ability to make those perfect sounds we hear everyday through our digital devices. We want to listen close

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Koji Kondo: Nintendo’s Melody Maestro

February 14, 2023

What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...

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Taylor Swift on Industry Sexism and Music Rights

February 8, 2023

Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.

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What’s the Ideal Length for a Single— Are Songs Getting Shorter?

February 8, 2023

“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are

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Tyla: South Africa's Rising Star Set to Shine at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards

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Tyla Laura Seethal, known professionally as Tyla, has rapidly ascended from her Johannesburg roots to international acclaim, blending amapiano rhythms with pop sensibilities to create a distinctive sound that resonates globally.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born on January 30, 2002, in Edenvale, Gauteng, Tyla hails from a diverse heritage, with Indian, Mauritian, Zulu, and Irish ancestry. Her upbringing in a musically inclined family fostered her passion for the arts. During her time at Edenglen High School, she actively engaged in cultural activities, serving as Head of Culture in her final year. Post-graduation, Tyla pursued music earnestly, recording tracks and sharing them on social media platforms.

Breakthrough with "Getting Late”

In 2019, Tyla released her debut single, "Getting Late," featuring producer Kooldrink. The track gained significant traction in South Africa, leading to her signing with Epic Records in 2021. This partnership facilitated her entry into the international music scene, setting the stage for future successes.

Global Recognition with "Water"

Tyla's 2023 single, "Water," marked a pivotal moment in her career. The song achieved top ten positions in multiple countries, including South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Notably, "Water" became the first song by a South African soloist to enter the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years. This accomplishment was further cemented when Tyla received the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024.

Debut Album and Artistic Evolution

Following the success of "Water," Tyla released her self-titled debut album in 2024. The album received critical acclaim for its innovative fusion of amapiano and pop genres, showcasing her versatility and depth as an artist. It achieved moderate commercial success, entering the top 25 in multiple countries, including the United States.

Billboard Music Awards Nominations and Upcoming Performance

Tyla's meteoric rise continues with eight nominations at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, including Top R&B Artist and Top Afrobeats Artist. She made history as the first artist to be nominated three times in a single category. Adding to this achievement, Tyla is slated to perform at the awards ceremony on December 12, 2024, joining a lineup that includes Coldplay and SEVENTEEN. This performance marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career, offering a platform to showcase her talent to a global audience.

Cultural Impact and Future Prospects

Tyla's success has not only elevated her profile but also shone a spotlight on South African music, particularly the amapiano genre. Her unique sound and dynamic performances have garnered a diverse fan base, positioning her as a prominent figure in the global music landscape. As she prepares for her Billboard Music Awards performance, the music industry eagerly anticipates her next artistic endeavors.

In summary, Tyla's journey from a passionate young artist in Johannesburg to an internationally recognized musician exemplifies her dedication and talent. Her upcoming performance at the Billboard Music Awards is poised to be a defining moment, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the global music scene.