Tyla—a young girl in Johannesburg, fresh out of school was standing at a crossroads. On one side, the well-trodden path of convention—university, a steady job, a predictable life. On the other, a wild, winding road filled with uncertainty but also a glimmer of something extraordinary.
This was Tyla in 2019, staring down her parents, trying to convince them that her dream of becoming a singer wasn’t just a teenage whim but a calling.
Her first step? Getting Late—a single she released not just to the world but to her parents, as proof that she meant business. They reluctantly gave her one year to make something of it. But then, as if the universe decided to test her intentions, the world shut down. COVID-19 arrived, and with it came lockdowns, and an almost impossible environment for a budding artist.
“Out of all years, it had to happen in this year,” Tyla said in an interview.
Her story could have ended there—a dream deferred by a global pandemic. But it didn’t.
Why? Because Tyla possessed something powerful: simply knowing.

What is Simply Knowing?
Simply knowing is that calm, unshakable belief in yourself when the odds are stacked against you. Let’s call it Calmfidence!
It’s not flashy or loud. It doesn’t shout, “Look at me!” Instead, it whispers, “Keep going.” It’s the kind of belief that turns obstacles into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones.
For Tyla, this simply knowing kept her going when the world seemed to conspire against her. With no budget, no backing, and no guarantees, she and her team worked tirelessly to create a music video for Getting Late.
It took an entire year—an eternity in the fast-paced world of entertainment—but when the video finally dropped in early 2021, it caught the attention of record labels.
The Entrepreneur’s Parallel
Tyla’s journey mirrors the experience of many entrepreneurs and business leaders. How often have you faced moments when the odds seemed insurmountable?
Perhaps you launched a product during an economic downturn or started a business in an industry dominated by giants. Like Tyla, you may have felt the weight of proving yourself—not just to the world, but to those closest to you.
Richard Branson once said, “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes—then learn how to do it later!”
That’s the spirit of simply knowing. It’s about saying yes to your dreams, even when the timing isn’t perfect, even when the path ahead is unclear.
The Drama of the Start
Let’s not sugarcoat it: beginnings are brutal. For Tyla, starting her career during a pandemic was like trying to light a fire in a storm. Yet, she persisted. She took the building blocks of amapiano, added her own flair, and created something entirely new: pop-iano.
Her breakthrough came in 2023 with Water. The song went viral on TikTok. Reflecting on the moment, Tyla said, “It literally changed my life.”
The lesson here? Sometimes, the key to success isn’t waiting for the perfect moment—it’s creating one.
Bold, But Sensual
At the heart of Tyla’s success is her fearless innovation. Her signature sound, pop-iano, is a daring blend of amapiano’s soulful beats with the melodic finesse of pop and R&B.
Tracks like On and On and Butterflies showcase her hypnotic voice, while her collaborations with artists across genres—Latin pop star Becky G, Nigerian R&B sensation Tems, Atlanta rapper Gunna, and Jamaican dancehall artist Skillibeng—highlight her versatility.
Tyla’s bravery in merging these styles is rooted in her admiration for global icons like Rihanna and Justin Bieber, whose boundary-pushing artistry inspired her to carve her own path.
This fearless fusion not only defines her music but also cements her place as a trailblazer uniting cultures and genres on a global stage.
The Power of Belief
When you believe in yourself, others start to believe in you too. Belief is contagious. Tyla’s story is proof of that. By staying true to her vision, she not only gained the support of her parents and team, but also captured the attention of a global audience and key partners in competitive show business.
As leaders, your belief in your mission can inspire your team, attract customers, and build partnerships. As Steve Jobs famously said, “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones
Tyla could have let the pandemic derail her dream. Instead, she used the time to refine her craft and build her unique sound. For entrepreneurs, setbacks are inevitable. The question is, how will you respond? Will you let them define you, or will you use them as fuel to move forward?
A Global Mission
Today, Tyla isn’t just making music—she’s on a mission to bring Africa to the world. She wants to be an inspiration for other Africans artists too.
Her journey reminds us that success isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about lifting others along the way.
As she puts it, “We’ve obviously had African artists that have pushed boundaries, but now is a time when people are actually paying attention to us properly… and we have African artists leading it.”
Tyla’s story is a powerful reminder that belief in yourself is the foundation of success. Whether you’re launching a startup, leading a team, or chasing a lifelong dream, it all begins with simple knowing.
So, the next time doubt creeps in, think of Tyla—a young girl in Johannesburg, armed with nothing but a song and a dream, who turned her calm confidence into a global movement. Believe in yourself, even when the world gives you every reason not to.
After all, the fire of success isn’t lit by perfect conditions—it’s ignited by persistence, passion, and the power of simply knowing.
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