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- South African music sensation Tyla recently had her first official TV interview and performance.
- She appeared on the Swedish talk show Bianca on Sunday.
- She talked about her hit, Water, meeting Kim Kardashian and her career success.
- For more lifestyle news, go to the News24 Life homepage.
Rising South African pop star Tyla recently had her first official TV interview and performance, she said on TikTok.
The internationally famous singer, born Tyla Laura Seethal, appeared on Sunday on the Swedish talk show Bianca, hosted by influencer and singer, Bianca Ingrosso.
She talked about her music, meeting Kim Kardashian and her status as an upcoming artist.
@tyla_ My first official TV interview and performance ?? on theBiancatalk show
? Water - Tyla
Taking the stage, host Ingrosso complimented Tyla on her scent and skin; Tyla returned the compliment.
Ingrosso admitted that she was obsessed with the hitmaker.
'I knew the song was a hit'
When Tyla was asked about her viral song Water, she shared:
She expressed her excitement when huge artists - like UK rapper Dave - posted it on their stories and started messaging her saying they loved the song.
READ MORE | 'For South Africa': Tyla dedicates her Spotify Top 50 hit to SA
"Then people started [putting] it on TikTok and doing challenges. But when I performed in Rwanda… it went crazy. That's when it really took off."
The Johannesburg-born musician shared the story behind Water.
She called Water "kind of a naughty song" and "the song of the summer".
Meeting Kim K
Tyla also shared an anecdote about meeting Kim Kardashian at the Dolce & Gabbana show. When asked about the experience of meeting her, she said: "Yoh, guys, don't even ask me that. I'm still shocked that I was literally right next to her, it was crazy.
"She introduced herself like we don't know," she added.
"I had to be cool, but I couldn't really sit in the dress, so I was kind of, like, stiff, but I made it work."
Life before stardom
The 21-year-old then talked about her life before her stardom.
"I've always been a hard worker and pushing the music thing. I've been releasing music, performing still, making music, but now that things have started moving, I hardly get sleep."
She added that she is still enjoying everything. She always had her mind set on being an artist.
"I just see myself on the biggest stages, like winning the Grammys, [collaborating] with the Drakes and the Rihannas of the world," she added
"I remember being very young and watching these people on TV. So, I would really love to be that person for other young kids, especially from Africa."
Other questions
Ingrosso asked Tyla how she would like to be approached romantically by a person.
"I'm very difficult, hey," she answered. After being re-asked the question, she said: "Honestly me, personally, I don't like guys that approach me. I like guys that look like they don't want me. They must just be mysterious."
Virality
Tyla's worldwide success is thanks to Water exploding on social media platforms and recently entering Spotify's Global top-50 playlist.
The up-and-coming pop star signed with Epic Records in 2021, after achieving local success with her song Getting Late, featuring Kooldrink. The song's music video got her a South African Music Awards nomination.
She also joined the controversial R&B artist Chris Brown for his 2023 European tour.
ALSO READ | SA singer Tyla joins Chris Brown on European tour
Tyla's success has made her a small media sensation. She recently did an interview with Essence and shared her origins:
"I always knew that this was what I wanted to do. My parents didn't think I was serious. They would tell me to go to school," she continued.
"I get that they were being protective because it's not every day that a South African artist has global success. But they ended up letting me do it and believing in me."
She also talked about the recently released music video for Water.
"I really wanted to create a video that felt organic. I wanted something that felt hot and steamy," she stated.
On her upcoming album, she shared, "I've been working on it for the past two years and I'm excited to finally bring it to life."
