23rd April, 2024
By Taiwo Okanlawon
Grammy-winning South African singer Tyla has credited her Nigerian counterpart, Tems, for opening the doors of global recognition for young African female artists.
She admitted that Tems is exceptionally talented as she relished working with her on her eponymous debut album.
Tyla spoke in a recent interview with Kiss Fresh, UK.
She said, “Working with Tems is amazing. She is so talented. She is literally a force. I’m so honoured to have worked with her. She has opened so many doors for us [young African female artists].
“We made such a beautiful song with such a beautiful message. It is a song for the girls and it is made by the girls.”
Tems was featured on Number 1 off Tyla’s debut eponymous album which was released earlier this month.
Earlier, Speaking about her collaboration with Tems on MTV Live, Tyla said she was about to submit the album to her record label when Tems sent her vocals and she told them to hold on.
Tyla also described Tems as the “Queen” of African music, adding that she has been working on her debut album for almost three years.
“I was about to submit the album then Tems sent her verse over and I was like wait, Tems just sent a song, I mean she’s the Queen,” Tyla said.
Tyla’s debut album is coming after she enjoyed massive mainstream success in 2023 with her viral hit single ‘Water’. The single earned her a Grammy award for Best African Song Performance at the 66th Grammys.
The 2023 hit, Water was top of the charts across 16 countries including the United Kingdom and the United States.