Move over, Disney princesses—there’s a new siren in town, and she’s trading seashell bras for Grammy gold. At just 22 years old, Tyla Laura Seethal isn’t just making waves; she’s causing a full-blown tsunami in the global music scene. From her sun-soaked roots in South Africa to ruling the Billboard charts and snagging a Grammy, this self-proclaimed “water baby” has proven she’s the ultimate modern-day Little Mermaid—minus the voice-stealing sea witch, but with a whole lot more bronzer and killer dance moves.​

Born to Make a Splash: The Rise of South Africa’s “Water Queen”​

Let’s start at the beginning: Tyla wasn’t just born on January 30, 2002—she was engineered for stardom. Hailing from a country where the sun shines like it’s auditioning for a Beyoncé music video, she grew up surrounded by the rich rhythms of Afrobeat and the soulful melodies of her Zulu heritage. But unlike most kids her age who were busy perfecting their TikTok dances or obsessing over boy bands, young Tyla had bigger plans: conquering the world, one catchy chorus at a time.​

Her breakthrough came in 2023 with the release of Water—a song so infectious, it’s basically musical chlorophyll for the soul. Picture this: imagine if a mermaid decided to throw a pool party on a tropical beach, hired a DJ who specializes in blending afrobeats with pop sensuality, and then invited the entire world to join. That’s Water in a nutshell. The track didn’t just “chart” on the Billboard Hot 100; it dove into the top 10, making Tyla the first African artist in 55 years to achieve such a feat. Cue the confetti cannon—and the history books rewriting themselves.​

But let’s talk about that Grammy, shall we? At the 2024 Grammy Awards, Tyla waltzed onto the stage like she owned the place (which, let’s be real, she kind of does now) and took home the Best African Music Performance award. Critics and fans alike lost their minds, not just because she’s a baby-faced conqueror with the vocal chops of a seasoned diva, but because she did it all while looking like she just stepped out of a Vogue photoshoot—mid-tornado. Travis Scott and Gunna weren’t just “interested” in collaborating; they were basically sliding into her DMs like starstruck teenagers at a boy band concert. And who can blame them? When your sound is as fresh as a South African summer breeze, even rap royalty comes knocking.​

The Beauty Behind the Beat: Matthew’s Magic and the Art of Tyla’s Glam​

Now, let’s dive into the glitz and glamour—literally. For her BET Awards performance, Tyla’s longtime collaborator and makeup wizard, Matthew (let’s just call him the Picasso of contour), set out to create a look that would make the camera lenses sweat. The brief? “Make her look like the ocean personified, but make it fierce.” Mission. Accomplished.​

Matthew started with a base so flawless, it could double as a skincare ad. Using a mix of hydrating primers (because even mermaids get dry skin under those stage lights), he gave Tyla a complexion that glowed like sunlight reflecting off waves. But the real showstopper was the eye makeup: think metallic teal shadows blended into her crease like a tropical sunset, paired with lashes so dramatic, they could probably qualify as a separate entity on her passport. “We wanted her eyes to tell a story,” Matthew later revealed in an interview, “a story called ‘I came to slay, and I brought my pet dolphin as a plus-one’.”​

Her signature Bronze skin (let’s keep that Korean term for extra flair, because Tyla’s global appeal deserves it) was amped up with a combination of golden bronzers and pearlescent highlighters, creating a glow that could be seen from space—perfect for a performer who’s all about that “lit from within” vibe, both literally and metaphorically. And let’s not forget the lips: a deep, sultry coral that screamed “I’m here to win, but also here to steal your man’s attention—accidentally, of course.”​

But Matthew’s genius didn’t stop at makeup. He understands that Tyla’s beauty is more than just products; it’s about confidence. “She has this natural magnetism,” he says. “My job is just to enhance that, not overshadow it. It’s like putting a diamond in a really fancy box—you don’t need much, because the diamond already does all the talking.”​

Short in Stature, Giant in Style: The 160cm Fashion Revolution​

Here’s the tea: Tyla may stand at a petite 160cm, but her fashion game is taller than the Eiffel Tower on a good day. She’s become the patron saint of Small hot girl (there’s that Korean again—embrace the global queen!) everywhere, proving that height is just a number and style is a superpower. Whether she’s rocking a sequined mini-dress that could blind a paparazzo or pairing oversized blazers with thigh-high boots like she’s about to star in a sci-fi western, Tyla’s wardrobe is a masterclass in “how to serve looks without breaking the scale.”​

Her secret? Proportion play. She knows that a cropped top paired with high-waisted jeans can turn legs into a never-ending highway, and that a well-placed belt can give the illusion of a torso so long, it’s practically its own zip code. And let’s not forget her love for bold prints and vibrant colors—after all, why blend in when you were born to stand out like a rainbow during a thunderstorm?​

Fashion critics have dubbed her a “style alchemist,” able to turn basic pieces into runway-worthy ensembles with a flick of her (very stylish) wrist. But Tyla’s impact goes beyond just looking good; she’s redefining beauty standards. In a world that often prioritizes tall, statuesque models, she’s shouting from the rooftops (or, more accurately, the stages of sold-out concerts) that short girls can be fierce, fabulous, and flawlessly fierce. Plus, her ability to switch from red carpet glamour to street-style cool in 0.2 seconds? Iconic.​

The Mermaid Mentality: Why Tyla is More Than Just a Pop Star​

What makes Tyla truly unique isn’t just her talent or her looks; it’s her attitude. She’s the kind of artist who laughs at the idea of “limits,” whether it’s breaking racial barriers in the music industry or proving that you can be both a Grammy winner and a total goofball on Instagram (seriously, her behind-the-scenes videos are pure chaos in the best way). She’s unapologetically herself—loud, proud, and forever connected to her roots.​

In a recent interview, when asked about her nickname “South African Water Queen,” she joked, “I don’t just drink water; I become water. I’m like a human Chameleon, but instead of changing colors, I change the game.” And change the game she has. She’s not just representing South Africa; she’s representing a new generation of artists who refuse to be boxed in by genres, borders, or outdated beauty norms.​

So, to all the aspiring mermaids out there: take notes. Tyla’s journey is a reminder that magic happens when you embrace your uniqueness, work harder than the tide, and always, always wear sunscreen (or in her case, killer highlighter). She’s proof that you don’t need a fairy godmother or a royal title to make waves—just a whole lot of talent, a little bit of sparkle, and the courage to dive headfirst into your dreams.​

As for what’s next? If her current trajectory is any indication, Tyla’s about to make “global domination” look as easy as applying her signature bronzer. So grab your swimsuits, folks—we’re all just living in Tyla’s world, and it’s a whole lot more glamorous than Atlantis.