It’s no secret that fans and peers alike have long yearned for a new album from Rihanna. Inactive since 2016’s Grammy-nominated masterpiece Anti, the multi-hyphenate hasn’t shown much interest in reviving her music career. Besides the one-off singles that seemingly satisfied some sort of contractual agreement rather than come from an authentically creative place (Black Panther’s “Lift Me Up” and Smurf’s “Friend Of Mine”), her focus has been turned towards investing in her lucrative beauty and fashion brands while expanding her family.
In the meantime, 23-year-old superstar Tyla seemingly came out of nowhere, an overnight sensation that exploded when her viral hit “Water” took the world by storm and made history as the first song by a South African soloist to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 in over 50 years. With an undeniable amount of overlap in the tone of their careers, one can’t help but wonder: is Tyla occupying the space Rihanna is leaving vacant?
As Rihanna Steps Back, Tyla Steps Up
After being signed to Def Jam by Jay-Z at age 16, Rihanna’s debut album, Music of the Sun, was released in August 2005. “Pon De Replay” and “If It’s Lovin’ That You Want” were the first tracks that introduced Rihanna to the world, Caribbean-inspired singles that put her tiny homeland of Barbados on the global map.
From there, she went on to experiment with different genres, from rock to R&B to pop. It was her inability to be confined by one sound and somehow master every avenue with brash authenticity that separated her from her peers. Fast-forward nearly two decades and eight albums, Rihanna solidified herself as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 250 million records sold. Her accolades include 9 Grammy Awards and 14 number-one songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Beyond that, she’s served as a cultural force in fashion, never diluting the magnitude of her presence for any red carpet she steps on. Her tattoos have become iconic in their own right, and every musical era can be defined by a distinct hair look, from bright red long locks to a half-shaven bob.
However, after 2016’s Anti, Rihanna went radio silent musically. Her focus turned towards Savage x Fenty, Fenty Beauty, and Fenty Skin, building herself a billion-dollar empire with diverse endeavors. She’s also fulfilled her longtime dream of motherhood, birthing two sons, RZA (born May 2022) and Riot (born August 2023), with her partner, A$AP Rocky.
One of the many young Black female artists inspired by Rihanna’s rise, Tyla knew she too had something special. Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, she signed with Epic Records in 2021 before her viral single “Water” demolished social media and radio airwaves in the summer of 2023. An amapiano song with elements of pop, R&B, and Afrobeats, her sound was distinctly incomparable to the new generation of artists she rose with. With intricate choreography and bold fashion statements, Tyla was immediately crowned an “it girl.” Two short years into her career, she stands as the youngest African artist to win a Grammy Award, among many more impressive accolades. Tyla came onto the scene knowing she belonged there, unapologetic about taking up her rightful space. It’s a self-assuredness that has rubbed many the wrong way, (earning her the nickname “entitled uppity African” across social media), yet only pushed her to go harder.
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The Rihanna Blueprint Behind Tyla’s Rise
It’s hard to negate the parallels of Tyla’s blooming career and Rihanna’s early days. They both piqued interest with their foreign flair, coming onto the scene strongly immersed in their respective cultures rather than acclimating to the mainstream. “Water” is most certainly Tyla’s equivalent of “Pon De Replay,” infusing pop with amapiano as Rihanna did with traditional Bajan sounds. Both were incredibly strong debuts: “Pon De Replay” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, spending 12 weeks in the top ten and 23 weeks on the chart overall. “Water” also garnered significant acclaim, including a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance and multiple certifications.
Tyla has also built an image in which sex appeal meets high fashion, an avenue Rihanna forged. Both artists made a distinct impact on the annual Met Gala red carpets, with Rihanna serving as Anna Wintour’s most highly anticipated guest year after year. She’s made pregnancy an accessory to be celebrated and never fails to honor each theme with grandeur. Meanwhile, Tyla’s Balmain dress, sculpted from sand, was crowned the best dress of 2024’s ceremony, with her Met Gala debut serving as the most talked-about look.
Confident, experimental, and currently boasting a low cut that mirrors Rihanna’s mid-2000s asymmetrical bob, Tyla is no doubt carrying forward Rihanna’s legacy. As Rihanna awaits the birth of her third child, it’s hard not to feel as if a baton is being passed. There is and has always been more than enough room for every generation of female artist to co-exist and thrive. Rihanna has proven her ability to maintain her icon status as both a mother and a business mogul. However, it’s evident that she’s content having the impact she’s made. Seemingly the happiest she’s ever been, life is seasonal, and Rihanna has never shied away from change and pivot. But while the connection is uncanny, Tyla is keen on establishing herself as her own. When asked about the comparisons, Tyla told Cosmopolitan, “Rihanna is Rihanna. It’s a compliment, but at the same time, I’m my own artist. I’m Tyla. And I know as people get to know me and my music, they will see me as just Tyla.”