South African songstress, Tyla Laura Seethal, or simply Tyla, recently opened up about her admiration for Nigerian singer Asake and the profound impact his music has had on her own artistic journey. In a candid conversation with RollingStone, Tyla shared the heartfelt reasons behind her affinity for Asake’s musical prowess.
Recounting the genesis of her chart-topping hit ‘Water,’ Tyla delved into the multifaceted tapestry of influences that shaped her sound. From the rhythmic heartbeat of South Africa’s Amapiano to the soul-stirring resonance of R&B legends like Rihanna, Tyla’s musical odyssey knows no bounds. Yet, it was Nigeria’s Afrobeats that beckoned to her, weaving its infectious melodies into the fabric of her sonic expression.
“Amapiano music is the core of it [‘Water’] in my opinion. And just all of the influences from growing up like Rihanna and all the R&B girlies, R&B boys, pop girls. That type of influences I love bringing into my music,” Tyla revealed, painting a vivid picture of her eclectic musical palette.
However, it was her revelation about the allure of Asake’s “choir vocals” that truly captured the essence of her admiration. As she marveled at the ethereal quality of Asake’s vocal arrangements, Tyla’s admiration for the Nigerian singer radiated through her words. “Something I really love in Afrobeats music is when I hear those step vocals that sound like a choir, almost. And I really love the way Asake uses it. I just always love the way it sounds,” she confessed.
Imbued with an undeniable passion for Asake’s distinctive artistry, Tyla ingeniously wove the enchanting allure of “choir vocals” into the fabric of ‘Water.’ The result? A symphonic masterpiece that has ensnared the hearts and minds of listeners, leaving an indelible imprint on their musical consciousness. “Obviously, people can’t stop singing, they can’t get it out of their minds, which I love,” Tyla exulted, basking in the infectious resonance of her creation.
As Tyla’s revelation unfurled, it was evident that her artistic journey transcended geographical borders, embodying a vibrant tapestry of sounds that reverberated across nations. In her captivating homage to Asake, she masterfully illustrated the unifying power of music, seamlessly blending the rhythmic tapestries of South Africa, the soulful melodies of R&B, and the infectious cadence of Afrobeats into a harmonious symphony of sonic bliss.
In the end, Tyla’s endearing admiration for Asake serves as a poignant testament to the transcendent nature of music—a universal language that knows no bounds. It is a testament to the profound impact that artists can wield, transcending geographical frontiers to forge profound connections that resonate with audiences around the world.
Tyla’s tribute to Asake stands as a vibrant testament to the global allure of music—a fervent reminder of the boundless power of artistic expression to bridge cultural divides and unite hearts in melodious harmony.
