Here's Everything We Know About Tyla's Parents and Ethnic Background

Famed songstress Tyla took over the summer of 2023 with her smash “Water.” The platinum-seller granted her the title of the youngest African artist to score a Grammy when she took home a win for ‘Best African Music Performance’ in 2024. Two years later, she’s still making waves on the music front.

During the Gen-Z vocalist’s last year of high school, she concluded singing was a call she had to answer… on a serious note. Upon graduating, Tyla unleashed her first single, “Getting Late,” in 2019.

The tune, produced by fellow musician Kooldrink, would soon receive national acclaim, garnering the then-rising star over 12 million views on YouTube.

However, Tyla’s breakthrough came after signing a contract with Epic/Fax Records. Following the release of “Overdue” (2021), “To Last” (2022), and her more successful, “Been Thinking” (2023), Tyla dropped a collaboration with Nigeria’s own, Ayra Starr, titled “Girl Next Door” (2023). However, it was the unveiling of “Water” that internationally set her on fire.

The bop, also acting as the lead single from her self-titled debut album, became a social media sensation, with a viral dance challenge exploding on TikTok simultaneously. From fans to (celebrity) friends, “Water” drowned everyone in its infectious amapiano-meets-pop vibe.

“I’ve always wanted to be in this position. Like, I’ve always wanted to just push the culture, push what we’ve been literally making for years, and years, and years in Africa,” Tyla once told the Associated Press. “Now, it’s time to expand and to share it with the rest of the world. So, I’m just happy that I’m one of the artists [who’s] able to do that.”

Tyla would go on to reveal her eponymous full-length in March 2024. The project also featured her other famous melody, “Art.” But who is the family behind the pop princess? Meet her parents and siblings!

Tyla has an older sister, Whitney, and a younger sister and brother, Sydney and Tyrese. Even though she’s come a long way from their days in Johannesburg, the siblings have (seemingly) maintained a close bond, as they’re occasionally seen on her TikTok page. Whitney is an audiologist, while Sydney and Tyrese are influencers on YouTube and TikTok.

As for Tyla’s parents, not much is known about Sherwin and Sharleen. According to Lipstick Alley, her father is East African with an Indian background, while her mother hails from South Africa and has Irish roots.

Tyla has been very transparent about their initial apprehension regarding her music pursuits. She told 102.4 KIIS FM, “My parents were like, ‘You have to study… like, there’s no way you’re doing music. Like, it’s not realistic.”

At the time, Tyla was reportedly in college but wanted to go full-time with her singing efforts. “My parents were like, ‘Be realistic. You need to work. This can be a side hobby,” she added.

And her net worth proves she’s making her fam proud!

Analyses of Tyla’s alleged income are conflicting, as information on it is limited. According to YouTuber All About Them, her estimated earnings came in at a whopping $15 million, but BBN Times reported them as $1 million. Although a wide range, we aren’t too shocked by these figures.

Along with a lucrative catalog, Tyla has a hefty online audience (of course, the influencer coins are rolling in from that), brand endorsements, and sold-out tours (including her time as a supporting act on Chris Brown’s 2023 Under the Influence run).

As of 2025, the “Bliss” soloist’s social following was ultra-impressive. With nearly 30 million supporters across all platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook), that collective number not only shows the young woman’s impact, but it’s also indicative of the serious dough she’s rolling in from her content creation bag.

Be it images or reels, Tyla’s top-tier face card, modelesque stature, and signature dance moves are earning her some cash … for sure. And not just in these online streets! In March 2025, we saw her making her cover-model debut on British Vogue.

Additionally, Tyla has a slew of partnerships (past and present) that have propelled the rhythmic star’s career to new heights with an even more diverse crowd watching from afar. In April 2025, luxurious jeweler Pandora introduced Tyla as a new ambassador for their line. Per The Hollywood Reporter, she joined forces with the company to produce her own collection of charms that is representative of her heritage, personal passions, and lovely fan base, the Tygers.

Some of Tyla’s other team-ups include Nike, Stanley 1913, Beats By Dre, Victoria’s Secret, and GAP, among others. We can assume that the combination of these high-profile business collaborations has (most definitely) added some millions to this bombshell’s bank account.