“At the ripe young age of 22, the breakout pop star has had one of the fastest, most explosive rises in music – with a following that spans much of the world.”

Tyla, born and raised in Johannesburg, has established herself as one of Africa’s most influential pop artists. This year, she became the first South African solo artist in 55 years to break into the Billboard Hot 100 and the youngest African artist to win a Grammy Award.

In her interview with ELLE, Tyla reflected on her experience and shared her vision for the future, saying, “This year was me introducing myself. Next year I’m just gonna have fun. Do whatever, wear whatever. I’m just playing around a lot, and bringing a lot of my roots into my music. It’s still gonna be me, still sweaty vibes, but evolved.”

Tyla’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. Earlier this year, she received two BET Awards .

Her latest MTV Video Music Award (VMA) win for Best Afrobeats highlighted another historic occasion, as she became the first female African artist and the first South African to win a VMA.

She also received the Global Impact Award at Billboard’s R&B No. 1s event, on Sunday, September 8, and she thanked people who support African music and culture.

Her ELLE magazine cover, as well as a number of recent awards, represent not only a personal accomplishment, but also a period of global recognition for African artists.

ELLE, a 1945-founded fashion and culture magazine, is renowned for its coverage of influential figures in the entertainment and fashion industries.