Tyla, whose full name is Tyla Laura Seethal, is a South African singer and songwriter known for blending amapiano with pop and R&B. She was born on January 30, 2002, in Johannesburg, South Africa, making her 24 years old in 2026. She rose to global fame with her hit song “Water” and became the youngest African artist to win a Grammy Award.
Who is Tyla?
Tyla is a South African singer and songwriter often called the “Queen of Popiano” for her unique mix of amapiano, pop, and R&B sounds. She first gained attention with her 2019 single “Getting Late,” and became a global star after her 2023 hit “Water” went viral worldwide.
In 2024, she made history as the youngest African artist to win a Grammy Award, taking home Best African Music Performance for “Water.” She has since released her debut album and continues to grow her international fanbase.
Beyond music, Tyla has become known for her fashion sense, appearing at major events like the Met Gala, and for bringing South African sound and dance to a global audience.
Tyla’s Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tyla Laura Seethal |
| Nickname | Tyla, Queen of Popiano |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter |
| Date of Birth | January 30, 2002 |
| Age | 24 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Johannesburg (Edenvale), Gauteng, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Ethnicity | Zulu, Indian, Indo-Mauritian and Irish heritage |
| Known For | Hit song “Water” and Grammy win for Best African Music Performance |
Tyla was raised in Edenvale, a suburb of Johannesburg, and grew up in a musical household influenced by artists like Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, and Rihanna. She graduated from Edenglen High School in 2019, where she served as Head of Culture.
Tyla Height, Weight and Physical Appearance? How tall is she?
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) |
| Weight | Not publicly known |
| Eye Color | Dark brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Slim/Athletic |
Tyla’s height is commonly listed at 5 feet 3 inches. This isn’t just an estimate — she confirmed it herself in a TikTok video where a fan asked how tall she was.
She has an athletic, dancer’s build, which comes through in her energetic performances and choreography. Her look is often praised for its bold style, especially at major fashion events like the Met Gala.
Background and Early Life
Tyla Laura Seethal was born on January 30, 2002, in Edenvale, Gauteng, a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. She grew up in a musical household and started singing in church at around age 6.
She is the middle child of five siblings, and music ran in the family from an early age. By age 12, she was already writing her own song lyrics in her diary.
She attended Edenglen High School, graduating in 2019, and spent much of her final year splitting time between school and the recording studio, determined to break into music.
Is she married? Who is Tyla’s boyfriend?
As of 2026, Tyla is not married and has not confirmed a boyfriend. She keeps her romantic life mostly private and has avoided directly discussing her dating status in interviews.
When asked about her personal life, she has jokingly kept things light rather than sharing details, and no partner has been publicly confirmed.
Because of this, any claims about her relationship status should be treated as speculation rather than confirmed fact.
Family Background
Tyla’s parents are Sharleen and Sherwin Seethal. Her father’s side carries Indian and Indo-Mauritian heritage, while her mother’s side brings Zulu and Irish roots.
She is the middle child of five siblings, and grew up in a home where music played a constant role, from artists like Michael Jackson and Rihanna to church songs.
Her parents were initially hesitant about her pursuing music as a career, wanting her to focus on more traditional studies. Over time, as her success grew, they became some of her biggest supporters.
Tyla’s Net Worth 2026
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Not publicly known |
| 2020 | Not publicly known |
| 2021 | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| 2022 | $100,000 – $500,000 |
| 2023 | $500,000 – $1 million |
| 2024 | $1 million – $2 million |
| 2025 | $2 million – $5 million |
| 2026 | $3 million – $8 million |
Tyla’s net worth is estimated to be somewhere between $3 million and $8 million as of 2026, though reports vary widely, with some sources citing figures as low as $1 million and others as high as $45 million. Since she hasn’t shared exact numbers, these are best treated as rough estimates.
Her income comes mainly from music streaming and sales, touring, brand partnerships, and endorsement deals. A newer partnership between her management and the entertainment company HYBE could also help grow her earnings going forward.
Career
Tyla began sharing her own songs and covers on Instagram as a teenager, eventually catching the attention of her first manager. Her debut single, “Getting Late,” released in 2019 with producer Kooldrink, gained early attention in South Africa.
In 2021, she signed a record deal with Epic Records. Her international breakthrough came in 2023 with the release of “Water,” which became a massive global hit, sparking a viral dance trend and topping charts in multiple countries.
In 2024, she won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, making her the youngest African Grammy winner in history. She released her debut album the same year and has continued building her international career, including a follow-up album released in 2026.
Lesser-Known Facts About Tyla
| Fact |
|---|
| She started singing in church at around age 6 |
| She was writing song lyrics in her diary by age 12 |
| She was Head of Culture at her high school |
| She is the middle child of five siblings |
| She is afraid of heights |
| She enjoys painting and watching Netflix to relax |
One fun detail about Tyla is that despite singing about water in her biggest hit, she has openly said her biggest fear is heights, not water.
She also has a strong pre-show ritual, often meditating and doing vocal warm-ups before performances, and she enjoys quieter hobbies like painting in her downtime.
Tyla Social Media
Tyla is active across major social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where she shares music updates, behind-the-scenes clips, and dance content.
Her TikTok presence played a big role in her rise, especially with the “Water” dance challenge that went viral worldwide in 2023.
She has a large and fast-growing following across platforms, with numbers changing often as her international fanbase continues to expand.
FAQs
How tall is Tyla?
She is 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall, a height she confirmed herself in a TikTok video.
How old is Tyla?
She was born on January 30, 2002, making her 24 years old as of 2026.
Who is Tyla’s boyfriend?
She has not confirmed a partner and keeps her dating life private.
What is Tyla’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth ranges between $3 million and $8 million as of 2026, though reports vary widely.
What is Tyla known for?
She is best known for her viral hit song “Water” and for becoming the youngest African artist to win a Grammy Award.