Tyla plays ‘This or That’ with Variety and chooses between the viral ‘Push to Start’ and ‘Water’ dances, her favourite South African slang word and who she’s listening to on her playlist.
Global (08 August 2025) – South Africa is buzzing with pride… and it’s easy to see why. Tyla’s interview, where she dives into her favourite local dishes, dances and slang, is a delightful watch and a vivid celebration of her roots.
South Africa’s love for Tyla runs deep. Born and raised in Jozi, her heritage, spanning Zulu, Indian, Mauritian and Irish roots, reflects the complex, colourful fabric of our nation. Her breakthrough single “Water” cracked into the US Billboard Hot 100 and was the first South African solo track to do so in 55 years. That global acclaim, Grammy win, prolific streams and South African pride… mirror our collective joy.
We’ve cheered when Tyla became the youngest African soloist to win a Grammy for Best African Music Performance. We celebrated when she dominated the South African Music Awards, walking away with four trophies, including Newcomer of the Year and International Achievement. And we’ve watched her achieve massive cultural impact: “Water” setting TikTok alight, her unique fashion footprint and collaborations with global icons.
And in this interview, Tyla’s warmth shines. She shares what she misses most: language, food, slang, and these glimpses into her world make her feel close, not distant. Does she love Joburg or Cape Town more? Going out or staying in? Taxis or private cars? Her answers show us that no matter how big the stages or how far the lights shine, her heart remains rooted in South Africa.
We really love Tyla and her journey keeps reminding us of our power, our stories and our resilience. She’s a storyteller through song, dance and identity… blending global sound with local soul. And she’s just getting started.
Watch the interview below:
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