Tyla is undoubtedly one of the most exciting stars to emerge from South Africa in recent years, and her two-show arena tour in her home country is a testament to her soaring popularity. The Water hitmaker will take the stage at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town on December 5 and at the SunBet Arena in Menlyn, Pretoria on December 7—both shows are already sold out. These performances are set to be a celebration of her meteoric rise, with several major supporting acts joining her on this highly anticipated local tour. Amapiano titan Kelvin Momo and singer-songwriter Daliwonga will bring their own flavor to the events, ensuring that audiences will experience a dynamic mix of musical styles.
For the Cape Town show, Tyla’s performance will be enhanced by an incredible lineup of local talent, including Amapiano artist Optimist and electro-Amapiano sensation Ez Maestro. Their contributions will fuse perfectly with Tyla’s distinctive style, making for an unforgettable night of music that spans genres. In Pretoria, the energy will remain high, with the same supporting acts plus the addition of R&B artist Filah Lah Lah. Fans can expect a night brimming with the electrifying rhythms of Amapiano and the smooth, soulful vibes of R&B, as these artists create an unparalleled musical experience together.
Tyla’s connection to Amapiano runs deep, and this tour reflects that relationship. On her debut album, Tyla, she pays tribute to Kelvin Momo, a respected figure in the Amapiano scene, by incorporating a sound recording from one of their studio sessions into the album’s opening track. This gesture highlights the deep respect Tyla has for the genre and its pioneers, further solidifying her place within the broader African music movement. The inclusion of Kelvin Momo and Daliwonga, two powerhouses in the Amapiano genre, at her tour demonstrates her commitment to celebrating South African musical talent at its finest.
This tour comes on the heels of an incredibly successful year for Tyla, one filled with awards, accolades, and recognition on global stages. In addition to winning the inaugural Best African Music Performance prize at the 2024 Grammys, she bagged two BET awards, three MTV EMA trophies—including Best R&B—and an MTV VMA. Her success doesn’t stop there, as she also earned three South African Music Awards (SAMAs) and an impressive eight nominations for the 2024 Billboard Music Awards (BBMA). Tyla’s remarkable ability to captivate audiences both at home and abroad is indicative of her growing influence in the global music industry.
Tyla’s rise has also seen her debut album make waves on streaming platforms, with the album ranking among the “top 10 streamed female albums on Spotify in 2024,” according to Chart Data on social media platform X. She earned the ninth spot, joining an elite group of artists including Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, and Charli XCX. Tyla’s place in such esteemed company speaks volumes about her musical prowess and the undeniable global appeal she has cultivated in a relatively short period.
Expressing her gratitude to her fans, Tyla took to X, writing, “Thank you, Tygerzzzz,” a heartfelt message that highlights the unwavering support she has received from her dedicated fanbase. Known for their passionate following, the “Tygers” have played an essential role in her success, and Tyla’s heartfelt thank-you serves as a reminder of the powerful connection she shares with her audience. As she continues to break boundaries and redefine what it means to be a global artist, Tyla is undeniably carving her own path in the music industry, one that will inspire future generations of artists.
