When I first got the chance to speak to rising Tyla in the peak of the pandemic and fresh of the release of her viral debut single Getting Late I knew that she was definitely one to watch.

Watching her steady rise which has seen her release a number of singles and take her outside of South Africa to places all over the world I cant help but feel a proudness.

No sooner was that appear when her name appeared as the opening act as part of Chris Brown’s Under The Influence European tour. The tour which included a 6 night stint at London’s O2 Arena with one more to come in March is a big moment for the US superstar whose last show in the UK was in 2009. However is a bigger one for Tyla as it marks her first UK performance excluding her surprise appearance at the Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa Scorpion Kings Show in London back in November last year.

Taking the stage with two of her dancers and fresh off the release of her latest single Been Thinking she brought the Amapiano vibes to the O2. Whilst most people would find The O2 to be an intimidating venue to play so early in her career watching Tyla take the stage gave me a sense of pride as she brought the energy and everything that shows her to be the rising superstar she is.

Although her time on stage was limited in the time she had she played her singles to date as well as previewing a few unreleased number before closing her set with her latest single Been Thinking. As Amapiano continues to travel outside of South Africa it was a great moment to see it have its moment on the O2 stage.

Considering this was the first I’m sure will be many performances for Tyla its going to get bigger and better from here.

Singe Been Thinking is out now, follow Tyla via @tyla

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Words by Seneo Mwamba

Photography Pass The Lens