Tyla's 2nd Album 'A*POP': Who Really Gets to Decide the Standards of 'African-ness'?
On July 24, 2026, South African-born Tyla (Tyla) released her second full-length album, 'A*POP'.
This album cannot be dismissed with the simple label of a "second album." While her debut, 'TYLA' (2024) featured stars from around the world and was a work that reached outward, 'A*POP' chooses the exact opposite direction.
With the sole exception of Swedish artist Zara Larsson (Zara Larsson) credited as a guest, the rest of the album is solidified by South African artists.
Having been told repeatedly that she is "not African enough" or that she "should polish her sound more for international audiences," Tyla faces her roots head-on for the first time here, creating a record by calling back only her musical peers from home—that is 'A*POP'.
Label: Epic Records, FAX Records
Release Date: July 24, 2026
Name: Tyla
Real Name: Tyla Laura Seethal
Age: 24
Hometown: South Africa
She responds to the claim of being "not African enough" with a question
Tyla's amapiano is too polished for radio. That is how it has sometimes been described. While the log drum sound remains, critics argue that the original depth and producer-like boldness are lost, and that everything is made for the overseas market.
At the root of this criticism lies a simpler and harsher judgment: "She is not African enough."
Tyla herself has brought up this comment many times and says she finds it frankly ridiculous. And when she answers this criticism, her response always takes the form of a question.
"Who gets to decide those standards?"
This sense of discomfort is the starting point for the entirety of 'A*POP'.
Tyla continues.
"I am truly proud of where I was born and raised and of South African culture. I want people all over the world to know about it."
The South African memories carried by amapiano
Jorja Smith and Major Lazer have already incorporated amapiano into their own tracks. But for Tyla, this sound is not just a trendy beat. It is a sound that tells the history of South Africa itself.
Tracing its roots leads to a genre called "kwaito", which was born in Soweto in the 1990s, the era of President Nelson Mandela, after the end of apartheid. Kwaito was music meant to express the joy of the freedom people had just attained.
Tyla explains the appeal of amapiano as follows.
"Amapiano is a special music unique to South Africa. We have been listening to house, jazz, and kwaito for a long time. Its characteristics are a powerful bassline and the 'log drum.' It's a sound that reproduces the tone of wooden drums using software, but everyone in South Africa loves it. It's playing everywhere—in the streets, in shops, on public transport. And the people supporting this culture are the DJs. DJs like DJ Maphorisa create the music and play it in clubs. Artists in the amapiano scene, like Sha Sha and Nasty C, are all like family to me."
In recent years, amapiano has gained popularity in club scenes around the world, including Paris. Regarding this phenomenon, Tyla says the following.
"I'm really happy that this music is spreading to the world. We have been dancing to this music for years. It's totally fine for artists outside of South Africa to incorporate it. As long as they understand that its roots are in South Africa, that's enough for me."
In the 'Cradle of Humankind,' with the sounds of monkeys
Tylarevealed that she completed this album at a songwriting camp held at the 'Cradle of Humankind' in South Africa. She mentioned that the studio was set up outdoors in the bush.
'It was literally in the bush (laughs). While making this album, I wanted to reconnect with the feeling of my childhood. Every morning, I would wake up to the sound of monkeys, there were bugs, it was truly nature itself. That brought this album full circle and back to the roots.'
Regarding the new album, Tyla also said this:
'During the first album, everything was so hectic and rushed. It felt like the frenzy arrived suddenly, overnight. So now that things have settled down, I feel like I understand the direction I should take, what I want to do, and what I want to convey much better than before.'
Production for this work began last year, but she says that at first, she 'didn't know what kind of sound she wanted.' Even so, she reflects:
'I knew it would naturally take shape as I made the album, and that's exactly what happened. I think we created something truly fresh and quintessentially Tyla.'
14 tracks in total, approximately 44 minutes. The outline of the album
The new album 'A*POP', which contains 14 tracks, has a runtime of approximately 44 minutes. Guest appearances include Swedish singer Zara Larsson, as well as South African artists Liquideep, MaWhoo, and Babalwa M providing support.
Tyla reveals that the new album is a work where she tested her potential and challenged herself with new expressions.
'I think I grew a lot while making this album. I wanted to try everything I've always wanted to do. I wanted to play not just with songwriters and producers, but with my own voice. I wanted to know more about what I was capable of, and I wanted to create a work I had never done before.'
Gem-like tracks to watch
'KISS'
A track co-produced by Ian Kirkpatrick, known as a producer for Dua Lipa and Sabrina Carpenter, and P2J, known as a producer for Wizkid and Burna Boy. The Afro-house style danceable beat is impressive.
A love song that sings about the happy moments of feeling strong affection and a connection of hearts through kissing and touching with a lover.
'IS IT'
Released as a lead single in July 2025, this song reached number one on the UK Afrobeats chart and was described by many critics as the 'hit song of the summer of 2025.' It sings about the struggle of being strongly attracted to someone while not being able to answer for oneself whether it is true love or temporary desire, yet still wanting to be more intimate with them.
'SHE DID IT AGAIN feat. Zara Larsson'
Regarding this song, released as a lead single in April 2026, Tyla revealed, 'By collaborating with Zara Larsson, this song expanded in a more pop direction, but the vibe I wanted to express was not lost.'
It is a song that sings about the confidence that 'once you are attracted, you won't be forgotten easily,' while enjoying the dangerous game of knowing the other person is becoming obsessed with her charm.
'CHANEL'
Released as a lead single in October 2025, this song expresses the message that 'if you love me, don't just say it, show it with the special treatment I deserve' through the symbol of luxury, 'Chanel'.
It became a commercial hit worldwide, climbing to number 11 on the Billboard Global 200 and number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100. Furthermore, with over 16.8 million videos created using the track on TikTok, it has become a signature song following 'Water' and 'Push 2 Start', serving as the track that further solidified Tyla's status as a global pop star.
Conclusion
Rather than pandering to outside voices or commercial expectations, 'A*POP' sees her daring to place herself in the wilderness of her homeland, facing her roots head-on. Having emerged from the temporary frenzy, Tyla, who has achieved overwhelming evolution as an artist, has proven through this album that there is no need to surrender the 'standards of Africanness' to anyone else.
While she is a pop star who captivates the world, her story—one that continues to carry the wind and pride of South Africa in her singing voice—has only just truly begun.
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