In an exclusive interview with RollingStone, Tyla Laura Seethal, popularly known as Tyla, delves into the enchanting world of Afrobeat inspiration that fueled her chart-topping single ‘Water.’ The South African sensation opens up about her admiration for Nigerian singer Asake and the creative fusion that shaped her viral hit.
Tyla attributes the core of ‘Water’ to the vibrant Amapiano music scene in her homeland, seamlessly blending it with her childhood R&B influences and the infectious rhythms of Nigeria’s Afrobeats. She paints a vivid picture of the diverse musical palette that laid the foundation for her sensational track.
“Amapiano music is the core of it [‘Water’], in my opinion. And just all of the influences from growing up like Rihanna and all the R&B girlies, R&B boys, pop girls. That type of influences I love bringing into my music,” Tyla explains, offering insight into the rich tapestry of her musical upbringing.
The singer goes on to express her particular affinity for the step vocals reminiscent of a choir, a distinctive feature she admires in Afrobeats music, especially evident in Asake’s work. Tyla emphasizes how this vocal style played a pivotal role in crafting the infectious chorus of ‘Water,’ a key element that has left audiences captivated.
“Obviously, people can’t stop singing, they can’t get it out of their minds, which I love,” Tyla playfully notes.
