Tyla is entering a new chapter on her own terms. The Grammy-winning South African star says her upcoming album, APOP*, is not about fitting into anyone else’s expectations. Instead, it reflects who she is as an artist, blending amapiano, electronic pop, tropical rhythms, and South African sounds into her most adventurous project yet.
The album, which arrives on July 24, also marks another important moment in Tyla’s fast-growing career. After breaking records with “Water” and becoming the first artist to spend more than 100 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, she is now choosing authenticity over labels.
Tyla Says A*POP Is About Being Herself Without Limits
Rather than chasing trends, Tyla says APOP* was created from a desire to express herself freely. She explained that she has no blueprint for her career and is creating her own path as she grows.
Speaking to EBONY, the 24-year-old artist shared why this album feels so personal.
“Coming from where I come from, I am literally cutting down these bushes as I go. I’m creating it as I go. A*POP is so important to me because there are just so many layers to pop. It’s so broad.”
She also made it clear that she no longer wants to be boxed into one category. While she is proud of her African roots, she hopes listeners will simply see her as herself.
“I just want to be me.”
A*POP Blends Amapiano, Electronic Pop, and South African Music
Although Tyla embraces pop music, she insists her South African identity remains at the center of everything she creates. She describes APOP* as a mix of electronic pop, amapiano, energetic drums, and sensual rhythms that naturally reflect where she comes from.
Her goal was to make music that feels joyful and effortless. As a result, the album focuses on creating an emotional connection through sound instead of heavy storytelling.
“I want all my music to feel carefree.”
She also emphasized that her roots will always shape her work.
“I am African. So no matter what I make, it’s African.”
New Songs Show Tyla’s Growth as an Artist
APOP* is Tyla’s biggest and most experimental album so far. While her debut established her as an international star, she believes she is still learning and growing.
“Even though the first album did what it did, I’m still very new.”
The album features several songs that showcase different sides of her artistry. Tracks such as “Mr. Nonchalant,” “Right Now,” and “Hot Tubs” introduce fresh vocal styles. Meanwhile, “Crazy Of Me” highlights her vocal range, while “Feel Something” and “I Don’t Care” return to her amapiano-inspired roots.
Elsewhere, “Fairytale” samples a South African hit, and songs like “Kiss” and “Double Blind” deliver vibrant summer dance energy. Together, they create an album that moves easily between different musical worlds.
Overcoming Challenges After the Success of “Water”
Tyla’s journey has not been without setbacks. In 2024, she canceled her North American and European tour because of an injury. The decision led many people to question whether her momentum would continue.
However, she quickly returned with “Chanel,” which launched her APOP* era. The song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart.
More recently, Tyla performed at Afronation in Portugal, where the crowd reminded her why she loves performing.
“I haven’t performed in so long, and they were so loud and singing back every song.”
The experience strengthened her confidence as she prepared to release her newest project.
Tyla Wants Fans to Feel the Music Instead of Overthinking It
Unlike many artists, Tyla says she does not want listeners to search for deep meanings in every lyric. Instead, she wants people to experience the music physically and emotionally.
“I create music and sing until something feels familiar.”
She added that APOP* was designed to make people move.
“This album isn’t deep; I wanted to create something that feels meaningful and good in the body, but I don’t want people to have to think.”
Even away from the studio, Tyla admits she cannot stop listening to the project. She laughed while saying she has to limit herself because she still wants the album to feel fresh after its release.
She also shared that artists like The Internet, Kaytranada, and Frank Ocean help inspire her creative process. Still, she believes every beat she chooses must connect with the rhythmic traditions of South African music.
“There has to be something that I feel from the beats because our music is very percussive and it’s just a vibe.”
As APOP* prepares to reach listeners worldwide, Tyla appears more confident than ever. Rather than following industry expectations, she is building a musical identity that proudly blends global pop with the sounds of home.
