It took Tyla just 75 minutes to conquer Montreux. On July 8, the South African sensation charmed the Stravinski Auditorium, blending hit after hit with her signature dance moves. Minutes after the show, backstage, she remains all smiles, as if the high-energy performance was nothing out of the ordinary. “The audience was wild. I even brought some fans on stage to dance with me. I had so much fun,” she says, settling into her seat. For her first visit to Switzerland, the love is immediate. “I want to stay. I'm sad I'm only here for a few hours. I'm leaving right after this interview.”
But there is no time to rest. Next stop: Paris, where “top-secret projects” await for the release of her new album, set for July 24. The album is titled “APOP”, a name that sums up her ambition. “I've always wanted to be a popstar.” When asked what that means to her, she replies: “An artist who can make music that everyone wants to sing along to and dance to.”
At just 24 years old, Tyla has already become a global force. Born in Johannesburg, she burst onto the scene in 2021 with “Getting Late”, a sultry amapiano-influenced track that immediately caught attention. Her breakthrough came in 2023 with “Water”, a song that became a global phenomenon. The track surpassed a billion streams on Spotify and won her a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, making her the youngest African artist ever to achieve that honor. In 2026, she won a second Grammy in the same category for “Push 2 Start”, cementing her status as a leading voice in the genre. “Sometimes it all feels unreal, like someone is going to yell 'Cut!' and I'll wake up. Growing up watching your favorite artists win Grammys, you never imagine it happening to you.”
“Treat Me Like Luxury”
With “APOP”, Tyla promises musical evolution. “People often ask me how it's different. I simply say I'm not the same person I was at the beginning.” More electronic, heavily influenced by R&B, the album reflects the diverse music that surrounded her childhood. “My parents constantly played playlists. I listened to everything from classic pop to African rhythms without always knowing who sang it. Those influences stayed with me and now they're coming to life in this album.”
The first single, “CHANEL”, already nearing 380 million streams on Spotify, sets the tone. “When we heard that song in the studio, everyone jumped up at once. We knew something special was happening.” Beyond its catchiness, Tyla loves its message. “It says something very simple: 'Treat me like luxury. Treat me like someone of value. If you say you love me, show it.' That's a message I think a lot of people need to hear, especially young women.”
That confidence, however, is just one facet of her personality. Her priorities remain grounded. “My family, above all. And having fun. That's essential.” She also reveals that she occasionally hangs out with Manon, the Swiss member of the group Katseye. They met years before Katseye's debut and reconnected at the Kids' Choice Awards. “Manon is one of the most genuine people I know. We talk about music, life, and just laugh together.”
Zara Larsson, who performed at Montreux on July 12, is another artist with whom Tyla has built a real connection. The Swedish singer appears on “She Did It Again”, a track from the upcoming album. The collaboration came about almost by accident. “She used a snippet of the song on TikTok. Then we went out to eat. I played the track for her and simply told her to make it her own. She sent back her verse the next day. It was that fast and organic.”
When asked if the title winks at Britney Spears' “Oops!... I Did It Again”, Tyla smiles. “In Zara's verse, she clearly references Britney. That makes the song even more fun. Britney is a huge inspiration for me. Like everyone, I grew up with her music. She contributed so much to pop.” Tyla further confirms that additional collaborations will appear on “APOP”, though she keeps the names under wraps. “I want fans to discover them when they listen. It's part of the surprise.”
The album’s production blends electronic beats with soulful R&B melodies, creating a sound that is both fresh and familiar. Tyla worked with a mix of long-time collaborators and new producers. “We spent months in the studio experimenting. I wanted to capture the energy of my live shows but also explore more intimate moments.” The result is a cohesive body of work that showcases her growth as an artist. Tracks like “CHANEL” and the title track “APOP” are designed for the dance floor, while slower songs like “She Did It Again” reveal her vulnerability.
Tyla’s rise to fame has been meteoric. After “Water” became a viral sensation, she signed with major labels and embarked on world tours. Her performances are known for their high energy, intricate choreography, and stunning outfits. At Montreux, she delivered a show that mixed her biggest hits with new material, leaving the audience wanting more. “The Montreux Jazz Festival is such an iconic venue. To perform here is a dream come true. I felt the love from the crowd the moment I stepped on stage.”
Behind the scenes, Tyla’s support system is strong. Her mother, in particular, has been a guiding force. “As a child, I would stay up late talking with my mom instead of going to bed. She always told us to know who we are, never let anyone make you feel you're worth less than you are. Watching her live her life with confidence taught me to have confidence in myself.” That belief is evident in every interview, every note she sings, and every move she makes on stage.
Looking ahead, Tyla is focused on the album’s release and the upcoming tour. “I want to bring ‘APOP’ to as many people as possible. The music is meant to be experienced live.” She also expresses a desire to use her platform to uplift other African artists. “We have so much talent on the continent. I hope my success opens doors for others to shine.”
With “APOP”, Tyla is not just releasing an album; she is declaring a new era in pop music. The title itself is a statement of intent. She is ready to claim her place among the pop greats while staying true to her roots. The world is watching, and if her Montreux performance is any indication, she is more than ready to take center stage.
Source: 20 minutes News