Tyla Reveals How She Fell in Love With Amapiano
OkMzansi | 09.07.2026 15:50
South African Grammy Award-winning artist Tyla has shared the special moment that made her fall in love with Amapiano, giving fans a glimpse into how the genre captured her heart long before she became an international star.
In a short interview with Brut on TikTok, Tyla reflected on the first time she heard Amapiano and how one song completely changed the way she experienced music.
Tyla said, “The first time that I heard it I was in class, I was in school. I was doing EGD (Engineering Graphics Design) and one of my friends, Lethabo, he played Gong Gong for the first time. He played it randomly in the class and I just literally stopped working because I was like ‘What is this song?’. Since that day the long drum just does something to me.”
The heartfelt story shows that Tyla’s connection to Amapiano started during her school days, long before she became one of South Africa’s biggest music exports. A simple moment in the classroom turned into the beginning of a lifelong appreciation for a genre that has since taken over dance floors around the world.
The song Tyla was referring to was originally produced by South African producer Kwiish SA featuring Vukani. Released in 2019, the Amapiano hit is titled Iskhathi (Gong Gong) by Vukani and Kwiish SA. The track became popular for its unmistakable “long drum” sound, which Tyla says immediately caught her attention and has stayed with her ever since.
Today, Tyla is known by fans and the music industry as the “Queen of Popiano.” The South African singer and songwriter is widely credited with pioneering “Popiano,” a vibrant and globally appealing fusion of Amapiano, Pop and R&B. Her unique sound has helped introduce elements of Amapiano to audiences across the world while staying connected to her South African roots.
Tyla’s latest revelation makes it clear that her love for Amapiano runs much deeper than the music she creates today. It is a genre that inspired her from a young age and continues to influence her artistry. Her story is also a reminder of how one song, one moment and one friend can shape a person’s musical journey.
From hearing Iskhathi (Gong Gong) in a classroom to becoming one of the world’s biggest stars, Tyla’s journey is proof that Amapiano has always had a special place in her heart.
