South African global music sensation Tyla is showing no signs of slowing down. Fresh off a string of international milestones, the two-time Grammy Award-winning artist has released her latest single, Is It Love, offering fans another glimpse into her highly anticipated sophomore album, APOP*, set for release on July 24.
The new track follows the success of recent releases Chanel and She Did It Again, her collaboration with Swedish pop star Zara Larsson. With Is It Love, Tyla once again demonstrates her ability to blend infectious rhythms with emotional storytelling, delivering a record that is as danceable as it is vulnerable.
At its core, the song explores the complexities of love and emotional validation. Over a pulsating beat, Tyla questions the authenticity of affection, asking whether love can truly exist without vulnerability and emotional expression. The track continues the formula that has become synonymous with the singer’s meteoric rise: pairing irresistible melodies with deeply personal narratives.
The accompanying music video, directed by Aerin Moreno, amplifies the song’s emotional intensity. Set within a blue-hued apartment, the visual opens with Tyla performing captivating choreography before gradually descending into a world of heartbreak and chaos. As her surroundings begin to crumble—with shattered glass and flooding rooms symbolising emotional turmoil—a distant love interest watches from outside, highlighting the disconnect between physical closeness and emotional intimacy.
The release arrives amid a remarkable period for the Johannesburg-born star. Earlier this month, Tyla played a prominent role in the launch celebrations of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, performing South Africa’s national anthem during the opening ceremony in Mexico City before joining rapper Future in Los Angeles for a performance of the tournament’s official anthem, Game Time.
Her momentum continues this weekend as she takes the stage at Morocco’s renowned Mawazine Festival, one of Africa’s largest music events. The performance forms part of an extensive international festival run that will also see her perform at AfroNation in Portugal, Beach Please! Festival in Romania, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and Hellwatt Festival in Italy.
Anticipation for APOP* has been steadily building over the past several months. Fans first began speculating about the project after subtle references appeared in the music video for Chanel. Since then, Tyla has carefully teased the album across social media and public appearances, creating a wave of excitement among her global fan base.
The album follows an award-winning year for the singer. Earlier this year, she secured her second Grammy Award, taking home the trophy for Best African Music Performance for Push 2 Start. She also earned victories at the American Music Awards, winning Best Afrobeats Artist and Social Song of the Year for Chanel.
Beyond music, Tyla continues to establish herself as a fashion force. Her appearance at this year’s Met Gala, where she wore a custom Valentino creation, generated widespread acclaim across international fashion circles and further cemented her status as one of Africa’s most influential young cultural exports.
With Is It Love now available worldwide and APOP* arriving next month, Tyla’s reign as one of the defining voices of contemporary African pop music appears only to be gathering momentum. If her recent run of success is anything to go by, the summer of 2026 may well belong to Tyla.
