Tyla Pays Tribute to her Late Grandmother. Image: Tyla shared via Istagram.
(The Post News)- Tyla has opened up about the heartbreaking loss of her grandmother, sharing an emotional tribute with her fans and followers on Instagram. The 23-year-old Grammy Award-winning artist, known for her hit single “Is It,” posted a heartfelt message alongside a touching photo of the two of them at her 21st birthday celebration.
Tyla Reflects on Her Bond with ‘Gran’
In the post, Tyla reflected on the deep bond she shared with her grandmother and expressed how instrumental she had been in shaping her both personally and artistically. With raw emotion, Tyla thanked her for the unwavering love, wisdom, and cultural grounding she had offered throughout her life.
“Thank you for all the love and all the life stories you would tell me,” she wrote, revealing just how much she valued the intimate moments and meaningful conversations they had shared. According to Tyla, her grandmother frequently spoke with immense pride about their family’s lineage, often referring to Tyla and her siblings as “royalty.” That sense of dignity and identity, Tyla said, left a lasting impression on her.
Her tribute went beyond memories and personal connection; it also acknowledged the vital role her grandmother played in helping her understand her roots. Raised in Johannesburg, Tyla has long embraced her multicultural identity as a coloured woman of Indian, Zulu, and Irish descent. She has spoken publicly about how her diverse heritage influences her music, style, and worldview. In her tribute, she credited her grandmother with nurturing her connection to her Zulu background, which has had a profound impact on her growth as an artist.
“She taught me where I come from,” she implied through her message, indicating that this cultural knowledge became a foundation for the confident and expressive performer the world now sees on stage. Calling her grandmother “the sweetest soul,” she spoke openly about the void her absence has created. “I love you forever, Gran,” she wrote in a final, poignant farewell that struck a chord with her audience.
This deeply personal message arrives at a significant time in her career. Over the past year, she has soared to international stardom, performing on global stages, topping charts, and earning accolades as one of South Africa’s most prominent musical exports. But even in the glow of professional triumph, she chose to share a moment of personal grief with her fans, reminding the world that behind the public persona is a young woman navigating life, loss, and legacy.
Her openness sparked an outpouring of love and support across social media. Fans, fellow artists, and admirers flooded her comments section with condolences and kind words. One user, @Trish_Angelique, wrote, X: “Our heartfelt condolences to our International Music Star Tyla and her family on the passing of her grandmother.”
As Tyla continues to rise on the world stage, her tribute is a powerful reminder of the people and stories behind her success. Her grandmother’s memory clearly lives on through her music, her message, and her cultural pride, and as she moves forward, Tyla does so carrying the legacy of the woman who helped shape her path.
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