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Re-recording Taylor Swift's “Speak Now”

July 28, 2023

Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has been taking the music world with her re-recorded albums. Among these highly anticipated re-releases is "Speak Now (Taylor's Version)"...

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Powfu: The Rising Star of Lo-fi Hip-hop

July 25, 2023

There are always new artists emerging in the hip-hop scene that have unique and captivating sounds. Powfu, born Isaiah Faber, grew up in Vancouver, Canada, and has been gathering a large fanbase...

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How Yoko Kanno Brilliantly Made the Soundtrack of Netflix's Cowboy Bebop

July 21, 2023

When it comes to anime soundtracks, there are plenty of contenders, but one stands tall above the rest – Cowboy Bebop. Released in 1998, this genre-defying space western captivated audiences...

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NewJeans Drop 2nd EP ‘Get Up’

July 23, 2023

NewJeans is a girl-group composed of 5 members, Hanni, Minji, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein. Newjeans debuted in 2022 with their EP 'NewJeans,' bringing a totally new attitude to the K-pop industry...

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Billie Eilish joins ‘Barbie’ hype with new release ‘What was I made for?’

July 21, 2023

The upcoming 'Barbie' film, scheduled for release on July 21st, has captured the hearts of fans who have long admired the animated Barbie films. Greta Girwig's live-action remake of the famous film...

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Songwriting BTS’ Jungkook New Single “SEVEN” ft. Latto

July 21, 2023

BTS, the global sensation, continues to astound the music industry with their incredible music and meaningful lyrics. Among the members, Jungkook, also referred to as the "Golden Maknae," is.....

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How Beyoncé Crafts Her Music

July 19, 2023

Music industry icon Beyoncé is powerful and captivating. She is known not only for her dramatic performances, but also for her outstanding songwriting skills. We will delve deeper into the creative...

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Gunna’s Comeback to the Music Industry Despite Controversy

July 19, 2023

Gunna, a mainstream rapper, just released a new album containing a #1 “Billboard Hot 100” hit song called “fukumean” despite the current controversy around his name. Gunna was arrested back in May....

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Tik Tok is Now a Music Streaming Service

July 19, 2023

Everyone knows Tik Tok as the app that blew up during COVID as a way for people to create and share short videos for others to enjoy. The video’s posted range from funny skits, dances, lip sync.....

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The Shadow of Sour Writing “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo

July 19, 2023

The mastermind behind the overwhelmingly successful album, Sour, the 20-year-old Olivia Rodrigo comes back into the spotlight with a new heart wrenching single, ‘Vampire’ and the...

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Musical Web Reveal: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Music Creation Process

July 18, 2023

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse took the world by storm with its groundbreaking animation, immersive storytelling and captivating visuals . One of the key elements that contributed to the succe...

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Unleash an Icon: What Makes Rihanna's Music Legendary

June 12, 2023

Barbados-born superstar Rihanna has left an indelible mark on the music industry with her iconic sound, versatile talent, and fearless attitude. Her music has become a cultural phenomenon....

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Tyla: The South African Star Making Waves on the Global Music Scene

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In 2024, amidst the dynamic world of popular music, few artists have made waves quite like Tyla. Emerging from Johannesburg—fondly called “Joburg” by locals—the South African singer has transformed her roots into a global sensation.  

A Star is Born in South Africa

Tyla, born Tyla Seethal, grew up immersed in the vibrant musical heritage of South Africa. Influenced by the work of local icons like Shekhinah and Zahara, and international superstars such as Britney Spears and Beyoncé, she began writing songs and performing at local venues. Her unique sound, blending her African roots with the rhythms of R&B and pop, quickly set her apart.  

The 22-year-old artist has always been motivated by a desire to inspire. Reflecting on her early aspirations in an interview with *V Magazine*, she said, *“When I was younger, I always wanted to see a South African girl doing the things that I wanted to do…Because being in South Africa, it didn’t seem possible [for me] at the time.”*  

“Getting Late”: Tyla’s Breakout Moment  

At just 19 years old, Tyla released her debut single, “Getting Late,” featuring the international sensation Kooldrink. The track became a breakthrough moment, earning her widespread acclaim and a growing fan base far beyond South Africa’s borders. The song’s catchy beats and visually stunning music video captured the attention of global audiences and critics alike.  

Global Recognition with “Water” 

Following her success with “Getting Late,” Tyla signed with Epic Records in 2021 and collaborated with renowned producer Sammy SoSo. Together, they crafted “Water,” an Amapiano-inspired track that blends pop, R&B, and Afrobeat elements. The song, paired with choreography incorporating traditional South African dance, quickly went viral. With millions of TikTok videos and streams, “Water” established Tyla as a leading figure in the Afro-pop movement.  

The track’s impact was undeniable, earning Tyla a Grammy for Best African Music Performance. She followed this success with her self-titled debut album, “Tyla,” featuring hits like “Jump,” “Truth or Dare,” and “ART,” collectively amassing over 300 million streams.  

A Global Phenomenon

Tyla’s sound has resonated across borders, particularly in South Korea, where she headlined the One Universe Festival. The South Korean music scene has embraced her Afro-pop influence, with K-pop groups like Le Sserafim and Kiss of Life incorporating her style into tracks such as “Smart” and “Sticky.” From the beats to the choreography, Tyla’s signature flavor is unmistakable.  

Navigating Controversy  

However, Tyla’s rise has not been without challenges. Some critics have argued that her racial ambiguity has contributed to her swift ascent, overshadowing other talented Afro artists like Ayra Starr and Tems.  

A significant controversy arose over Tyla’s use of the term “coloured” to describe her racial identity—a term that has different connotations globally. In South Africa, it refers to a multiracial ethnic group, while in the U.S., it’s considered outdated and offensive. Facing backlash, Tyla clarified on social media: *“Never denied my Blackness, idk where that came from. In Southa I would be classified as a Coloured woman and other places I would be classified as a Black woman. Race is classified differently in different parts of the world.”*  

The Future of Tyla’s Sound  

Despite the challenges, Tyla’s talent and unique artistry have solidified her place as a global star. Her recent release, “Tyla Deluxe,” has left fans eager for more of her groundbreaking sound. From Johannesburg to the world stage, Tyla is not just a musical sensation—she’s a cultural phenomenon, reshaping Afro-pop for a global audience.  

Tyla’s journey proves that music knows no borders, and her success is a powerful reminder of the universal language of rhythm and melody.