South African music star Tyla has added another major achievement to her growing list of career milestones after gracing the cover of ELLE UK Magazine.
The two-time Grammy Award winner continues to strengthen her position as one of Africa’s biggest global music stars, but her latest feature offers fans a more personal look at the woman behind the international success.
In her ELLE UK interview, Tyla opens up about her relationship with social media, revealing that, unlike many celebrities who view it as a burden, she has always seen it as a space for fun and self-expression. TikTok, in particular, played an important role in her journey to becoming a global star.
Before fame, Tyla was already creating content with whatever resources were available to her. She recalls borrowing her father’s phone and taking turns with her sister to make videos.
“Eeeeeveryday,” she drawls. “I didn’t have a phone at the time, so I would borrow my father’s, and me and my sister would have to take shifts.”
That playful energy remains visible across her social media platforms, where polished career moments sit alongside spontaneous content with friends.
“I honestly do it for myself,” Tyla explains. “A lot of people try to be cool about it, but it’s fun, you know? Why not have a little fun!”
The singer also reflects on growing from a teenager into a young woman while millions of people watched her journey unfold.
“It is weird. I’m like, aaaawk-waaard,” she says, laughing.
Tyla admits that navigating the physical and emotional changes of womanhood while being in the public eye has been challenging.
“A lot of women get to do that in their own space, in their own comfort zone. So the fact that I’m doing that in front of the world… At first, I felt like I couldn’t make a mistake.”
Despite her global profile, Tyla remains protective of her private life. She believes maintaining certain boundaries allows her to preserve a relationship with herself away from public scrutiny.
“I’ve always been the type to keep things private, because I think it’s cute to have this relationship with yourself,” she says.
The star also values independence and occasionally disguises herself to explore New York City without attracting attention. From riding the subway to taking ferry trips, Tyla enjoys experiencing ordinary moments away from security and celebrity pressures.
“Right now, I could be anyone,” she teases when asked about her disguise.
Looking back at her journey from South Africa to global stardom, Tyla says her perspective has helped her remain grounded.
“Because I was able to watch the industry from afar – very far, from the bottom of Africa – I saw it as this untouchable realm.”
Now that she is part of that world, Tyla says she understands what is real and what is not, allowing her to enjoy her success without taking fame too seriously.
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