Kristina Roberts
South African music sensation Tyla made her dream come true by performing at the famous Coachella music festival in California over the weekend. The young star, often called the “pretty girl from Joburg,” impressed the crowd with her incredible energy and a special tribute to the late R&B legend Aaliyah.
A Dream Come True at Coachella
Tyla’s first-ever performance at Coachella was one of the most talked-about moments of the festival. Sharing the stage with big names like Lady Gaga, Missy Elliott, BlackPink’s Lisa, and FKA Twigs, Tyla proved that she belongs among the biggest stars in the world.
Her performance on Friday night was unforgettable, especially when she paid homage to Aaliyah, one of her biggest inspirations. While singing her hit song On and On, Tyla used the backing track of Aaliyah’s classic Rock the Boat, creating a magical moment for fans of both artists.
Why Aaliyah Means So Much to Tyla
Aaliyah was a groundbreaking R&B singer known for her smooth voice and stylish performances. Sadly, she passed away in a plane crash in 2001, but her music continues to inspire artists like Tyla. Rock the Boat was the last music video Aaliyah ever filmed, making the tribute even more emotional.
Tyla has always said that Aaliyah influenced her music and fashion. By including Rock the Boat in her set, she honored the late star in a beautiful way. The rest of her performance was backed by a live band, but this special moment stood out as a highlight.
A Surprise Duet with Becky G
Another exciting part of Tyla’s set was when she brought out American singer Becky G for a surprise duet. The two artists have a strong friendship—Becky G recently presented Tyla with the Impact Award at the Billboard Women in Music ceremony. Their performance together added even more energy to an already incredible show.
More Stars Want to Work with Tyla
Tyla’s success is catching the attention of other big artists. Singer Ciara, known for hits like Goodies, recently said she would love to collaborate with Tyla.
In an interview with L’Officiel, Ciara said:
“If I could collab with someone, I think it would be super cool to maybe work with Tyla. I think what she does is just; her music is really infectious, and she makes people dance through her music. And for me, it’s really important to make the world dance. I think me and Tyla could wind it up a little bit, you know, do a little song, something together, maybe. It could be cute.”
This isn’t the first time a major artist has shown interest in working with Tyla. Earlier, dancehall star Sean Paul joined her on the remix of Push 2 Start, proving that her music appeals to fans across different genres.
Coachella’s Star-Studded Weekend
Coachella is one of the biggest music festivals in the world, and this year’s lineup was packed with incredible talent. On Saturday, rock band Green Day—who recently performed in Cape Town—took the stage as headliners. The festival also featured rapper Travis Scott, who worked with Tyla on the remix of her global hit Water.
Tyla’s Rise to Stardom
From Johannesburg to Coachella, Tyla’s journey has been nothing short of amazing. Her unique sound, which blends Afrobeats, pop, and R&B, has made her one of the most exciting new artists in the world. Songs like Water and On and On have topped charts and earned her millions of fans.
Her Coachella performance was another big step in her career, showing that she can hold her own among music’s biggest names. Fans can’t wait to see what she does next—whether it’s new music, more collaborations, or another show-stopping performance.
What’s Next for Tyla?
With so much success in such a short time, the future looks bright for Tyla. Her Coachella debut has only added to her growing fame, and more opportunities are sure to come her way. Whether it’s touring, recording new songs, or working with other artists, Tyla is proving that she’s here to stay.
One thing is certain: the world will be watching—and dancing—to whatever she does next.
Tyla’s Coachella performance was a celebration of music, inspiration, and star power. By honoring Aaliyah, teaming up with Becky G, and winning over new fans, she showed why she’s one of the most exciting artists today. The “pretty girl from Joburg” is now a global superstar, and this is just the beginning.
