Despite having won a Grammy, two SAMAs, a Soul Train Award, and having more than a billion streams, on music platforms like Spotify, it seems like the South African pop star Tyla is finding it difficult to shake off the constant comparisons to singers who graced the big stages before her.
When she’s not compared to her idol Rihanna, then it’s Britney Spears, and the singer recently shared that she is officially tired of it.
The 22-year-old Joburg-born singer recently had an interview with the highly esteemed British publication Dazed where she addressed those critical of her work, claiming that the visuals of her hit song Water were inspired by Britney Spears’ “I’m A Slave For You” which was released in 2001.
Speaking to the publication she said:
“Honestly, when people bring up these references, most of the time there was never a reference.
“It’s never, ‘Make the video look completely like this.’ It’s getting boring now,” said the 22-year-old.
She said that instead she and her team are always looking for fresh ideas and always try and do things differently.
It is for this reason that she tries to align herself with people who she knows will push the creative process in a way that has never been done before.
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The Jump hitmaker also shared that their creative process was based on the freedom of expression, emphasising that there are moments where they do not focus too much on choreography, instead, she feeds off having a group of people who are allowed to express themselves through dance freely.
Despite the continuous comparisons lurking in the background, she says that she is honoured to be part of a group of many who are a symbol of hope for other women on the African continent.
“I love seeing women dominating and being the face of Africa… It’s about giving more examples to young girls at home, showing them that we can be bosses, and we can run this thing.
“We’re equally as deserving, we deserve a place at the table too,” she ended.
Also see: Tyla makes it to Dazed cover girl status | Bona Magazine
