In a recent interview with Ebro of Apple Music, South African superstar Tyla addressed allegations that she is a 'mean girl,' stating that while she may be opinionated and blunt, she does not consider herself mean. The Grammy-winning singer joked that perhaps she was mean before clarifying that she views herself as a kind person despite her direct demeanor.
Tyla on Her Personality and Pop Star Expectations
Reflecting on her personality, Tyla explained that she comes from a culture where people are expressive and unafraid to speak their minds. She noted that being a pop star often demands a 'good girl' image, but she prefers honesty and freedom. 'Where I'm from, we just talk. Things aren't that serious. We don't know how to watch our words,' she said.
Tyla also revealed that her team frequently tries to curb her social media activity, urging her to put down her phone and stop posting. However, she resists being 'shackled' and insists on living like a normal 24-year-old. 'I don't want being a pop star to stop my life and make me feel like I'm in jail,' she added.
New Album 'A*POP' Redefines African Pop
Discussing her sophomore album 'A*POP,' released on Friday, July 24, 2026, Tyla explained that the title stands for 'African Pop.' The album aims to broaden perceptions of what an African pop star can be, challenging stereotypes about appearance and sound. 'I've seen comments that I'm not African enough, and I think that's a frozen ideology. I want to show how diverse I am,' she stated.
The album features 14 tracks with guest appearances from South African duo Liquideep, Swedish popstar Zara Larsson, and South African artists Mahwoo and Babalwa M. The pre-released single 'Chanel' has already amassed over 380 million streams on Spotify.
Global Rise and Recent Milestones
'A*POP' is expected to boost Tyla's global career, which recently included a performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The two-time Grammy winner continues to break barriers for African music on the international stage.
