SA’s Tyla named Spotify EQUAL Africa artist for March

The initiative seeks to amplify the voices of African women in music, breaking down barriers and promoting their work to a global audience. Tyla will join the ranks of other fellow South African artists, including Sio and Elaine, who have previously headlined the initiative.

“I am thrilled to be selected for the EQUAL programme, joining other incredible female creators on the continent,” Tyla said. “This just goes to show that there is room for all of us to shine, regardless of what sounds and genres we identify with.”

Spotify’s head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu said: “We are inspired by Tyla's versatility and her drive to achieve more in the music scene and we welcome her to the EQUAL programme. It is our hope that other young African women creators see this as proof that their talent is valid and can and will be recognised and supported.”

Tyla’s mainstream break arrived with 2019’s ‘Getting Late’, a dance-themed amapiano offering. According to the singer, making music is all about intuition and intention, and her goal is to leave a lasting mark on the industry. Her inclusion in the EQUAL Africa programme is a testament to her talent and drive.

Fans can discover Tyla’s music on the EQUAL Africa playlist, which features her single ‘Been Thinking’. Tyla's music is a fusion of R&B, pop, amapiano and Afrobeats, and she draws inspiration from artists such as Brenda Fassie, Freshlyground and Mi Casa.

For Tyla, following her dreams has been a journey of hard work and dedication, and she encourages others to do the same. “Keep going no matter how impossible it seems. I never thought I'd be at this point, and right now I'm travelling the world making music, performing and living my dream. I still have a long way to go, but I’m not stopping. And you shouldn't either.”