Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
South African superstar Tyla is proving that her Grammy-winning debut was just the beginning. The rising global icon has dropped her highly anticipated sophomore album A*POP via FAX and Epic Records, and it’s clear she’s not here to play it safe. Spanning 13 tracks, this project sees the “Water” hitmaker venturing into edgier territory, trading predictable pop formulas for grittier textures and daring sonic experimentation that showcases her artistic evolution.
The album is a masterclass in genre-blending, weaving together Amapiano’s signature log drums with polished pop sensibilities and sultry R&B undertones. Tyla assembled a dream team of producers—P2J, Sammy Soso, Ian Kirkpatrick, and Ari PenSmith—to craft lush, atmospheric soundscapes that feel both intimately African and undeniably universal. Bangers like IS IT LOVE and KISS deliver instant floor-filling energy, while more adventurous offerings such as FEEL SOMETHING position Tyla as an artist unafraid to redefine what African pop can sound like on the international stage.
The feature list alone tells a story of Tyla’s expanding global footprint. Swedish pop sensation Zara Larsson joins forces with her on the anthemic SHE DID IT AGAIN, creating a sparkling bridge between European pop and South African swagger. Equally important are the homegrown collaborations with Amapiano royalty Babalwa M, MaWhoo, and Liquideep, ensuring the album stays tethered to its South African roots even as it reaches for worldwide appeal. Throughout A*POP, Tyla’s distinctive breathy vocals and precise rhythmic delivery serve as the thread connecting these diverse sonic worlds, while her lyrics explore the complexities of newfound fame, love, and self-discovery with refreshing honesty.
A*POP is more than a follow-up—it’s a statement of intent from an artist cementing her place in pop’s upper echelon.
Listen to A*POP here.
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