Another one for the books (or should I say magazines?). Tyla’s rise to stardom has earned her numerous accolades, starting with her first-ever Grammy win for Best African Performance in 2024 for her smash hit single “Water,” to now gracing what will hopefully be the first of many Vogue covers. Rumors of Tyla being the cover star for the highly acclaimed magazine began circulating in January at the Jacquemus Fashion Show during Paris Fashion Week when photographs emerged of her seated beside editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. In the world of entertainment, beauty, and fashion, appearing on the cover of Vogue is a monumental achievement—especially for a rising 23-year-old South African star.
Tyla’s rapid rise has not only showcased her musical prowess as part of the new generation taking over, but it has also highlighted her eye for fashion and her unique style. Her bold way of expressing herself through her garments has attracted plenty of attention in fashion circles. In fact, it was announced earlier this month that she signed a deal with the popular sportswear and streetwear brand Nike, a company she says she has long admired. This deal adds to her list of previous cover features, which include Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, The New York Times Style Magazine, and Dazed—all in 2024.
The Johannesburg native has stunned red carpets, award shows, music videos, fashion events, and more with her wild yet comfortable style, clearly influenced by South African dance culture. For instance, the Bacardi dance is hugely popular in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Johannesburg, and involves shaking the rear end in a way that’s amplified by loose skirts, shorts, or dresses adorned with beads or dangling accessories. This style of dress complements Tyla’s music in her viral dance breaks, both in music videos and live performances.
Her hit song “Water” highlights that she’s unafraid to express her true self through both lyrics and clothing. In a feature with British Vogue, she acknowledged the changes in her style since releasing her debut album and “Water.” “I have grown into a different version of myself. A little more spicy, a little more bold…” she shared, adding that fans can expect this energy in her future music. Some of that boldness has been on display in her recent “fit pics,” where she’s been rocking a short, curly cut—worn in Nike shoots, at Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Celebrity Softball game, at Paris Fashion Week, and in her latest Instagram posts.
You can find more on Tyla’s recent shoot with British Vogue on their website or in the magazine’s March issue.
