Tyla’s “Downfall”: Is the Internet Being Too Quick to Cancel a Rising Star?

When Tyla first hit the global stage with her breakout single “Water” in 2023, it felt like a new era had arrived. She was young, fresh, and proudly bringing her self-coined “popiano” sound—an addictive blend of South African amapiano and pop—straight to the mainstream. The song went viral on TikTok, racked up millions of streams, and even earned her a Grammy. For a while, it seemed like the sky was the limit for the 20-something singer from Johannesburg.

But now? Scroll through X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram and you’ll see a different tone. Many people are calling out what they see as the “downfall” of Tyla—claiming she lost momentum, stumbled in interviews, and faced backlash that dimmed her shine. So what really happened? Let’s unpack it.

The Meteoric Rise

Tyla wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. After “Water” went viral, she dropped her debut album Tyla in early 2024. Critics praised it for being polished and globally appealing, while still rooted in her African identity. Collaborations with stars like Tems, Becky G, and Gunna put her on the map as more than a viral sensation. She quickly became a symbol of South Africa’s growing influence on the international music stage.

Her Grammy win for Best African Music Performance was historic—making her the first South African soloist in decades to touch the Billboard Hot 100.

Where the Backlash Started

So, where did things start to turn?

1. Tour Cancellations – In 2024, Tyla was forced to cancel her North American and European tours, including Coachella, due to a lingering injury. For a rising star, canceled shows mean lost momentum—and fans started questioning if she could keep up with the hype.

2. Identity Conversations – Tyla sparked online debate after referring to herself as “coloured,” a term that has specific meaning in South Africa but carries different (and controversial) weight internationally. Many people online felt confused or offended, leading to a wave of think pieces and callouts about her identity.

3. Awkward Interviews & Social Media Critiques – Clips began circulating of Tyla giving short or awkward answers in interviews, which the internet immediately ran with. Add in accusations of “overhype” and debates over her originality, and suddenly the conversation around her shifted.

   
   

The Internet Loves a ‘Downfall’ Story

Let’s be real: social media thrives on tearing people down as quickly as it builds them up. Tyla’s so-called downfall is as much about public perception as it is about her actual career. Fans who once crowned her the next global superstar now pick apart every move she makes.

But behind the noise, she’s still working. Tyla dropped her WWP EP in July 2025, a prelude to her upcoming mixtape We Wanna Party. Critics called it fun, confident, and proof she hasn’t lost her touch. She even directed her own video and tapped legends like Sean Paul for remixes. That doesn’t sound like someone “falling off”—it sounds like someone evolving.

Is This Really a Downfall?

Maybe instead of calling it a downfall, we should see it as a transition period. Tyla is young, navigating sudden fame, online criticism, cultural identity debates, and the pressure to deliver another viral hit. That’s a heavy load for anyone—especially when the world is watching and waiting for you to slip.

If history tells us anything, it’s that artists often go through these rough patches before reinventing themselves. Beyoncé had her critics. So did Rihanna. Even Doja Cat got dragged before solidifying her spot. Tyla might just be in her “growing pains” era, not her downfall.

The truth is, Tyla’s story is still being written. Yes, she’s stumbled. Yes, she’s faced backlash. But she’s also continuing to drop music, experiment with her artistry, and push boundaries for South African musicians on a global stage.

Calling this a “downfall” feels premature. Maybe what we’re really seeing is a young artist being forced to grow up under the brightest lights possible. And honestly? That’s not the end of a career—it’s just the beginning of a new chapter.

✨ What do you think? Has Tyla really fallen off, or are we just too quick to label every misstep as a “downfall”?