It took just 75 minutes for Tyla to charm the crowd at the Montreux Jazz Festival. On July 8, the South African singer commanded the Stravinski Auditorium with a seamless blend of infectious hits and captivating dance moves. Minutes after stepping off stage, she was still beaming backstage, as if the physically demanding performance was merely routine. "The audience was wild. I even brought some fans on stage to dance with me. I had so much fun," she said, settling into her seat. For her first visit to Switzerland, the love was immediate. "I want to stay. I'm disappointed I'm only here for a few hours. I leave right after this interview."

Her schedule leaves little room to breathe. Paris awaits immediately after the chat, where "top-secret projects" are lined up to support the release of her new album, due July 24. The album is titled APOP, a name that encapsulates her ambition. "I've always wanted to be a pop star." 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 only 24, Tyla has already become an undeniable force on the global music scene. She first gained attention in 2021 with the single "Getting Late," but it was her 2023 smash hit "Water" that turned her into a worldwide phenomenon. The track surpassed one billion streams on Spotify and earned her a Grammy Award, making her the youngest African artist in history to win that honor. In 2026, she secured a second Grammy for "Push 2 Start" in the category of Best African Music Performance. "Sometimes it all feels unreal, like someone is going to say 'Cut!' and I'll wake up. When you grow up watching your favorite artists win Grammys, you never imagine living the same thing."

With APOP, Tyla promises a musical evolution. "People often ask me what's different about it. I simply say I'm not the same person I was at the beginning." The album is more electronic, infused with R&B, and reflects all the music that soundtracked her childhood. "My parents were constantly playing playlists. I listened to everything without necessarily knowing who was singing. All those influences stayed with me."

The first single, "CHANEL," has already amassed nearly 380 million streams on Spotify. "When we heard that song in the studio, everyone jumped up at once. We knew something special was happening." Beyond its catchy hook, Tyla loves its message. "The song says something very simple: 'Treat me like luxury. Treat me like someone of value. If you say you love me, show it.'"

This confidence, however, is just one facet of her personality. Her priorities? "Family, above all. And having fun. That's essential." She reveals she sometimes goes out with Swiss artist Manon, from the group Katseye. The two have known each other for years. "We met even before her group started. Then we saw each other again at the Kids' Choice Awards."

Zara Larsson, who performs at Montreux on July 12, is another artist with whom Tyla has built a genuine bond. The Swede appears on "She Did It Again," one of the tracks on her upcoming project. The collaboration came about almost by chance. "She had used a snippet of the song on TikTok. We later went out to eat together. I played her the track and simply told her to make it her own. She sent back her verse the very next day."

When asked if the title is a nod to Britney Spears' "Oops!... I Did It Again," she smiles. "In Zara's verse, she clearly references Britney. That makes the song even more fun." As for Britney, Tyla doesn't hide her admiration. "Like everyone, I grew up with her music. She contributed enormously to pop." And the guests don't stop there. The singer confirms that more collaborations will appear on APOP, but she refuses to reveal names. One thing, however, is no mystery: the confidence with which she carries this project.

If there is an explanation for the assurance that shines as soon as she steps on stage, it comes from her mother. As a child, instead of going to bed, Tyla would spend entire evenings talking with her. "She would tell us that we always had to know who we were, never let someone make us believe we were worth less than we are. By watching her live, I learned to have confidence in myself."

The Montreux Jazz Festival has long been a platform for emerging and established artists alike. Tyla's inclusion in the 2026 lineup underscores her rising stature in the international music industry. Her performance at the Stravinski Auditorium was one of the most anticipated of the festival, and she did not disappoint. With a setlist that spanned her growing discography, she demonstrated why she is considered one of the most exciting live performers of her generation. The energy was palpable, with fans singing along to every word and dancing in the aisles. Tyla's ability to connect with the audience is a testament to her charisma and the universal appeal of her music.

Her journey from Johannesburg to global stardom is a story of talent, hard work, and perseverance. Born and raised in South Africa, Tyla was exposed to a wide range of musical genres from an early age. Her parents, both music lovers, played everything from African rhythms to American pop and R&B. This eclectic upbringing is evident in her sound, which seamlessly blends Afrobeats, amapiano, pop, and R&B. Her breakthrough single "Water" not only dominated charts worldwide but also sparked a viral dance challenge on social media, further cementing her place in pop culture.

Winning a Grammy at such a young age is a remarkable achievement, but Tyla has not rested on her laurels. She has continued to evolve as an artist, experimenting with new sounds and collaborating with a diverse array of musicians. Her second Grammy win for "Push 2 Start" in 2026 proved that her success was no fluke. The song, which features a blend of electronic beats and traditional African instrumentation, showcases her growth as a songwriter and performer. Fans and critics alike have praised her ability to stay true to her roots while pushing musical boundaries.

APOP is shaping up to be her most ambitious project yet. The album title is a statement of intent: Tyla is not just a pop star but a pop star with a distinct identity. She is unapologetically herself, and this confidence permeates every aspect of the album. From the glossy production to the introspective lyrics, APOP is a reflection of her journey and her vision for the future. The collaboration with Zara Larsson on "She Did It Again" is a highlight, blending two powerful voices in a track that is both nostalgic and forward-looking. The inclusion of Britney Spears' influence adds a layer of pop culture commentary that is both playful and respectful.

Beyond music, Tyla is also a fashion icon and a role model for young people around the world. She uses her platform to advocate for self-love and authenticity, often speaking about the importance of mental health and staying grounded despite fame. Her relationship with her family remains a cornerstone of her life, and she frequently credits them for keeping her grounded. In a world where many artists struggle with the pressures of fame, Tyla's ability to maintain a sense of normalcy is refreshing.

As she prepares for the album's release, Tyla is also gearing up for a world tour. While details are still under wraps, she hints at some surprise performances and collaborations that will excite fans. The Montreux Jazz Festival concert was just a taste of what she has in store. For those who missed it, there will be plenty of opportunities to see her live in the coming months. With her infectious energy and undeniable talent, Tyla is poised to dominate the pop landscape for years to come.

Source:20 minutes News