Tyla Confirms Collaboration with Wizkid, Recorded in 2022

South African Grammy-winning sensation Tyla has confirmed a highly anticipated collaboration with Nigerian Afrobeats icon Wizkid. The revelation, made via social media, has ignited excitement among fans of both artists, signaling a potentially groundbreaking fusion of their distinct musical styles.

Song Recorded Before Tyla's Global Breakthrough

According to Tyla's statement on X (formerly Twitter), the track was recorded in 2022, predating her meteoric rise to global fame with the chart-topping hit "Water" in July 2023. She described the recording process as a collaborative effort, mentioning, "Yess, made the song in 2022, freestyled a melody in his hotel room. Me korey prime n vibesss."

A Landmark Collaboration for African Music Exports

This collaboration marks the first official musical partnership between Tyla and Wizkid, both prominent figures driving the global expansion of African music. Their combined star power and influence promise to further amplify the reach and recognition of Afrobeats and Amapiano on the international stage.

Expert Perspective: Significance of Cross-Genre Collaborations

Music analyst, Chinwe Okoro, comments on the importance of such collaborations. "Cross-genre and cross-national collaborations are vital for the continued evolution and globalization of African music. When artists like Tyla and Wizkid, who represent distinct yet interconnected sounds, come together, they create a powerful synergy that attracts a wider audience and challenges existing musical boundaries. This particular collaboration is significant because it brings together Amapiano, which is rapidly gaining global traction, with the established force of Afrobeats, potentially creating a new sonic landscape."

Tyla's History of Nigerian Collaborations

Prior to her global breakthrough, Tyla had already established connections within the Nigerian music scene. She collaborated with Grammy-nominated artist Ayra Starr on "Girl Next Door," released in May 2023. Furthermore, she has worked with Tems on "No 1" from her self-titled debut album and featured on DJ Spinall's "One Call" alongside Omah Lay. These collaborations demonstrate Tyla's commitment to engaging with and celebrating the diverse sounds of Nigerian music.

Wizkid's Enduring Influence and Collaborative Spirit

Wizkid, a pioneer of modern Afrobeats, has a long history of successful collaborations with international artists, including Drake, Beyoncé, and Skepta. His willingness to bridge cultural and musical divides has been instrumental in popularizing Afrobeats globally. His collaboration with Tyla further solidifies his position as a key figure in promoting African music on a worldwide scale.

Release Date Remains Unconfirmed

While the collaboration has been confirmed, Tyla has yet to announce a release date for the highly anticipated track. The song will be her second single of 2025, following the release of "Bliss" in May. Fans eagerly await further updates regarding the release of this collaboration, which promises to be a significant moment for both artists and the African music landscape.

Context: The Rise of Afrobeats and Amapiano

The collaboration comes at a pivotal moment for both Afrobeats and Amapiano. Afrobeats, originating from West Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana, has experienced a surge in global popularity over the past decade, driven by artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido. Amapiano, a South African genre characterized by its distinctive log drum and jazzy melodies, has also gained significant international recognition, with Tyla being one of its leading ambassadors. The convergence of these two powerful musical forces represents a significant step in the continued globalization of African music.

Looking Ahead: Potential Impact of the Collaboration

Industry experts predict that the Tyla and Wizkid collaboration will have a significant impact on the global music scene. Beyond the immediate commercial success, the collaboration has the potential to inspire further cross-cultural collaborations and foster greater appreciation for the diverse sounds of Africa. The fusion of Tyla's smooth vocals and Amapiano influences with Wizkid's signature Afrobeats sound promises a unique and compelling listening experience that will resonate with audiences worldwide.