Tyla’s album rumoured to have surpassed Beyoncè’s Cowboy Carter

by Nomonde Simelane

When Tyla said “I want us to be able to say the biggest popstar is South African” she was not kidding as the young popiano sensation’s career has been on an upward trajectory since her hit song ‘Water‘ went global. It appears her debut album Tyla has surpassed Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter as the seventh best-selling album released in 2024.

In June 2021, a then 19-year-old Tyla posted, via her X (formerly Twitter) account that her goal is for people to be able to say that the biggest popstar is a South African, which would be herself. It appears she is well on her way to achieving this goal as she continues to climb higher and higher in the industry. Two weeks after releasing the deluxe edition of her debut album, the young star has reached unprecedented streaming numbers which have placed her a spot above Beyonce, who is arguably currently the biggest and most influential artist in the world.

This is no easy feat for any artist, but is even more difficult for African artists as their reach is often limited, which is caused by multiple factors including the access and population of each continent.

Although Tyla’s fans and supporters have expressed excitement for her, it appears she has gained herself a significant amount of “haters” who never miss an opportunity to slam the Shake ah hitmaker. If they are not comparing her to other African stars who have been in the industry longer than she has, they are discrediting any accolades and praise given to the artist.

Tyla is also currently making waves with the American audience after she reposted an Asian fan who dressed up as her for Halloween. According to the Americans, the Asian fan is appropriating Black/African culture, and Tyla is in the wrong for endorsing the appropriation by resposting the image.

Also see: ‘Not my culture!’ AmaNdebele unimpressed by Somizi donning their attire incorrectly