South African Singer Tyla Names Tems Among Top Musical Influences, Teases New Album

Grammy-winning South African sensation Tyla has revealed that Nigerian R&B star Tems is one of her major musical influences. In a recent interview with Billboard, the Water hitmaker shared her admiration for Tems, emphasizing how the Nigerian singer’s remarkable achievements have deeply inspired her.

“Tems is a big one. What she’s been able to do has been very inspiring,” Tyla said.

Alongside Tems, Tyla also cited legendary icons like Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, and Aaliyah as other significant influences that have shaped her musical journey. Such a diverse blend of inspiration hints at her ability to explore various genres and deliver uniquely captivating sounds.

The 22-year-old rising star also gave fans something exciting to look forward to by hinting at the release of her sophomore album later this year. Interestingly, she teased that the upcoming project would be entirely different from her self-titled debut album, suggesting a bold new direction for her sound.

Opinion: A Rising Star Inspired by Greatness

Tyla’s acknowledgment of Tems as a key influence speaks volumes about the power of African artists inspiring one another. It’s a beautiful cycle of creativity where one artist’s breakthrough motivates another’s pursuit of excellence.

It’s not hard to see why Tems would be a source of inspiration for someone like Tyla. Tems’ meteoric rise from underground talent to Grammy Award-winning, globally recognized artist has been nothing short of phenomenal. Her unique voice, fearless experimentation, and authenticity have set a standard for many young African musicians.

Moreover, Tyla’s inclusion of names like Whitney Houston and Aaliyah shows her reverence for vocal excellence and genre-bending creativity. Pairing such influences with her admiration for Tems’ success suggests that Tyla is committed to pushing boundaries and evolving her sound.

As she gears up for her sophomore album, expectations are undoubtedly high. Can she blend her diverse inspirations into a cohesive project that cements her position as one of Africa’s most promising young talents? Only time will tell, but the journey looks promising.