In a landmark moment for South African music, Tyla, the Grammy-winning sensation, is set to perform at the 2025 Global Citizen Festival, scheduled for September 27, 2025, on the iconic Great Lawn of Central Park in New York City. Joining international heavyweights such as The Weeknd, Shakira, Ayra Starr, and Mariah the Scientist, Tyla’s participation underscores her meteoric rise to global stardom and the growing influence of African music on the world stage. This performance, announced within the last two days as of July 24, 2025, marks a significant milestone in her career and highlights her role as a cultural ambassador for South Africa.
Tyla: The Queen of Popiano
Born Tyla Laura Seethal on January 30, 2002, in Edenvale, Gauteng, South Africa, Tyla has emerged as one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary music. Raised in Johannesburg, she comes from a Coloured family with a rich heritage that includes Indian, Indo-Mauritian, Zulu, and Irish ancestry. Her musical journey began in her teenage years when she started posting original songs and covers on Instagram, catching the attention of manager Garth von Glehn. While still in high school, where she served as Head of Culture at Edenglen High School, Tyla spent weekends in the recording studio, honing her craft.
Her debut single, “Getting Late,” released in late 2019, achieved national success in South Africa, with its music video, released in January 2021, earning a nomination for the South African Music Award for Best Music Video of the Year in 2022. In May 2021, Tyla signed with Epic Records through a joint venture with Fax Records, marking the start of her international career. She released singles like “Overdue” (October 2021) and “To Last” (November 2022), which showcased her versatility and growing appeal.
The release of “Water” in July 2023 was a game-changer. The song, blending pop with amapiano—a South African genre that fuses house, jazz, and lounge music—became a global phenomenon, reaching the top ten in multiple countries, including South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It was the first solo song by a South African artist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years, peaking at number seven. “Water” also sparked a viral dance challenge on social media, amplifying Tyla’s influence. In February 2024, she won the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, becoming the youngest African artist to receive a Grammy at age 22.
Her self-titled debut album, released on March 22, 2024, was met with critical acclaim and moderate commercial success, charting in the top 25 in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, and Switzerland. Tyla’s music, often dubbed “popiano,” combines infectious rhythms, soulful vocals, and African influences, making it universally relatable. In 2025, she continued her ascent with performances at high-profile events like the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and the MTV Europe Music Awards, where she won awards for Best African Act, Best Afrobeats Artist, and Best R&B Artist. She also hosted the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in June 2025 and is set to release her first mixtape, We Wanna Party, on July 25, 2025.
| Tyla’s Career Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | January 30, 2002 |
| Breakout Single | “Water” (2023) |
| Grammy Win | Best African Music Performance (2024) |
| Debut Album | Tyla (March 22, 2024) |
| Notable Performances | Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (2024), MTV Europe Music Awards (2024), Coachella (2025) |
| Upcoming Release | We Wanna Party mixtape (July 25, 2025) |
The Global Citizen Festival: A Platform for Change
The Global Citizen Festival, organized by the international advocacy group Global Citizen, is a renowned annual event that leverages music to drive action against extreme poverty and global challenges. Since its inception in 2012, the festival has brought together artists, activists, and world leaders to raise awareness and inspire change. Held on September 27, 2025, at Central Park’s Great Lawn, the 2025 festival will be hosted by long-time Global Citizen ambassador Hugh Jackman and presented by major partners like Cisco, Authentic Brands Group, and Live Nation.
The festival’s unique model allows attendees to earn free tickets by taking actions on the Global Citizen app or website, such as signing petitions, contacting policymakers, or sharing advocacy content on social media. This year’s event will focus on four key initiatives:
- Providing energy access for one million people across Africa.
- Ensuring 30,000 children worldwide gain access to quality education.
- Mobilizing $200 million to protect 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest.
- Registering 40,000 New Yorkers for community volunteering efforts.
These goals align with Global Citizen’s mission to end extreme poverty by 2030 and address pressing issues like inequality and climate change. The festival’s history of featuring top-tier performers, such as Post Malone, Doja Cat, and Ed Sheeran in previous years, underscores its status as a global cultural event.
| 2025 Global Citizen Festival Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | September 27, 2025 |
| Location | Great Lawn, Central Park, New York City |
| Host | Hugh Jackman |
| Performers | The Weeknd, Shakira, Tyla, Ayra Starr, Mariah the Scientist |
| Key Initiatives | Energy access in Africa, education, Amazon rainforest protection, community volunteering |
Tyla’s Role and Its Significance
Tyla’s participation in the 2025 Global Citizen Festival is a pivotal moment for both her career and the representation of African artists on the global stage. Performing alongside Nigerian star Ayra Starr, Tyla will highlight the growing influence of African music, particularly genres like amapiano and Afrobeats, which have gained international traction in recent years. Her performance is especially significant given the festival’s focus on providing energy access to one million people across Africa, a cause that resonates deeply with her South African roots.
While direct quotes from Tyla about the festival were not available in the sources, her previous statements reflect her commitment to using music as a tool for connection and inspiration. In an interview, she noted, “I once thought pop music was just straight-up radio music, that catchy music—which it is—but I feel like it’s just music that everyone can relate to, dance to, sing to.” Her performance is expected to embody this philosophy, delivering a vibrant set that unites audiences while drawing attention to critical global issues.
Tyla’s inclusion in the festival lineup places her among music’s biggest names, offering a platform to reach a broader audience and collaborate with international icons. It also positions her as a role model for aspiring African artists, demonstrating that talent and determination can lead to global recognition. Her journey from posting songs on Instagram to headlining a major international festival is a testament to her hard work and the universal appeal of her music.
Impact and Future Prospects
Tyla’s performance at the 2025 Global Citizen Festival is poised to be a defining moment in her career. It not only cements her status as a global music star but also amplifies her role as an advocate for change. By representing South Africa and Africa at large, Tyla is helping to shift the narrative around African music, showcasing its diversity and cultural richness to a worldwide audience.
Her participation also highlights the festival’s commitment to amplifying African voices, both on stage and in its advocacy campaigns. As African artists like Tyla and Ayra Starr continue to break barriers, they pave the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps. Tyla’s upcoming mixtape, We Wanna Party, set for release on July 25, 2025, and her recent singles like “Bliss” and “Is It” indicate that she is far from slowing down.
As the world awaits her performance, Tyla is expected to deliver a show that is both electrifying and impactful, blending her signature popiano sound with the festival’s message of unity and action. Her presence on this global stage is a powerful reminder of music’s ability to inspire change and bring people together for a common cause.
