Tyla Officially releases A*POP, her highly anticipated sophomore album

The wait is finally over. South African global superstar Tyla has officially released her highly anticipated sophomore album, APOP*, and fans across the world are already calling it one of the year's biggest pop moments.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tyla (@tyla)
celebrity-news
Tyla becomes the first African artist to get her own Bratz doll
Read more

Released today via FAX Records and Epic Records, the 14-track project marks the next chapter in Tyla's meteoric rise following the success of her self-titled debut album, TYLA, in 2024. After making history with her Grammy Award-winning smash hit "Water" and cementing herself as one of the world's most exciting young artists, APOP* sees the Johannesburg-born singer confidently stepping into a new era.

While amapiano remains at the heart of Tyla's sound, APOP* expands her musical universe, effortlessly blending pop, R&B, Afrobeats and the unmistakable rhythm of Johannesburg. The album showcases her evolution as an artist while staying true to the South African influences that first captured the world's attention.

Among the standout tracks is a fresh reimagining of Liquideep's beloved classic "Fairytale"—a nostalgic nod to one of South Africa's most iconic dance records. The album also features fan favourites including "Mr. Nonchalant" and "Crazy of Me," featuring MaWhoo, alongside previously released singles that have kept anticipation for the project at an all-time high.

Mr. NONCHALANT?? Tyla what crack did you use this time😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/rFN9nP59m2
— ALSON🐅 (@Thereal_Alson) July 23, 2026

The project follows a remarkable run for Tyla, who has continued to dominate international charts with hits including "Water," "Push 2 Start," "Bliss," "Is It," "Chanel" featuring WizTheMc and "She Did It Again" alongside Swedish pop star Zara Larsson. Each release has further established her as a genre-defying artist capable of seamlessly moving between global pop and distinctly South African sounds.

Ahead of the album's release, Tyla hosted an intimate live listening session in London and New York, giving fans an exclusive first listen to APOP*. Social media quickly lit up with praise for the album's infectious production, polished vocals and the way it celebrates South African music on a global stage.

Many fans have applauded the project for its catchy melodies, confident energy and international appeal, while others have sparked conversations about its more pop-forward direction compared with her earlier work. Even so, listeners agree that Tyla has continued to push creative boundaries while introducing amapiano-inspired music to an even wider audience.

loving how she genre blended amapiano with pop music. she’s creating her own genre with this. 10’s. https://t.co/xOUbcWWpto pic.twitter.com/KnX6tvyVQr
— ICYESTTWAT (@FUCCl) July 24, 2026

Within hours of its release, APOP* began gaining momentum on streaming platforms, with listeners in South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States and several other countries adding the album to their playlists. As streaming numbers continue to climb, the album is already shaping up to become one of the defining releases of 2026.

For South African fans, APOP* feels like another proud moment. From Johannesburg to the global stage, Tyla continues to carry the country's sound into new spaces, proving that local music can resonate with audiences everywhere without losing its identity.