South African breakout star Tyla is steering her career in a bold new direction, signaling her departure from mainstream expectations and the so-called “pop machine,” as she prepares to release a second album that promises to be “totally different.” This evolution reflects not just artistic growth, but a clearer sense of identity forged in the crucible of sudden global fame and creative reflection.

In interviews, Tyla candidly shared that the explosive success of her Grammy-winning debut Water left her feeling unprepared for stardom. She admitted that in the aftermath, she became preoccupied with doing everything “right,” which stifled the chance to learn through mistakes and discover who she truly is as an artist. Now, with more time to create, she describes her new body of work as current, deeply personal, and—most importantly—authentically hers: “I’m living what I’m singing,” she says.

Echoing this shift, Tyla has revealed that her sophomore album will present “a different sound,” yet remain distinctly identifiable as hers. The change isn’t superficial it’s tied to personal evolution. Adapting rapidly to fame pushed her into a new self-awareness, and she’s ready to channel that into music that marries her past influences with newfound creative freedom.

Tyla’s debut project, released in March 2024, combined amapiano, Afrobeats, pop, and R&B to form a signature blend dubbed “popiano,” which helped her become not just a star but a genre-bending phenomenon. . Hits like Water and Push 2 Start carried her into international consciousness, earning her awards and accolades. Still, Tyla has been vocal about the overgeneralization of her music as Afrobeats, arguing that genre is fluid and her sound represents a broader African palette.

Amid this transition, Tyla remains firmly anchored to her roots—in both sound and message. Her forthcoming album is intended as a celebration of her African heritage and creative autonomy, rather than another formula-driven pop debut. Having performed massive headlining shows in South Africa and earning roles in high-fashion circles (including a turn on the Met Gala host committee), she’s navigating fame on her own terms.

While she continues balancing global ambitions with an unmistakable South African voice, Tyla appears more in control than ever. She rejects being boxed into preconceived labels and instead invites listeners to experience her evolution – now.