South African music sensation Tyla has revealed that she deliberately keeps her inner circle small to protect her privacyand maintain balance amid her rapid rise to fame.
In a recent interview with Glamour for its Women of the Year edition, the Grammy-winning hitmaker admitted that she rarely discusses the pressures of fame with others.
“Being very honest, I don’t really speak to people besides my family and very tight people,” she explained. “I’m kind of just figuring it out by myself. I’m very private.”
Tyla, who has become a global star since the success of her breakout hit Water, shared that she enjoys a quiet life when she’s not performing.
“When I’m on stage, I really do not care. I want people to look at me. I want everyone to be entertained,” she told the publication. “But when I’m off the stage, I’m kind of shy. I don’t want people watching me party. I want to be in my own world.”
Reflecting on her swift rise to fame, Tyla admitted that the attention initially felt overwhelming.
“I remember in the beginning it was very weird for me, because it felt like an overnight switch,” she confessed. “It was very drastic.”
Tyla, who shot to international prominence in 2023, also shared her experiences of travelling the world and discovering new cultures.
“I think at first, I was very taken aback, because I was kind of confused,” she said. “I’ve only known one thing for 23 years of my life; then I got to travel and learn about other cultures, other people. I learned what their normal was.”
She added that connecting with fans and discovering cultural similarities has been one of the most rewarding parts of her journey.
“I think it’s beautiful to meet people that are curious to know about how things are back home and to find the things we do have in common.”