When South African sensation Tyla exploded onto the international stage with her Grammy-winning global hit “Water,” she didn’t just claim her spot in pop music—she redefined how African artists blend regional rhythms with mainstream pop culture. Following up on her acclaimed sophomore studio album APOP*, Tyla’s hit single “THAT GIRL” confirms that her artistic rise is anything but accidental.

Directed by Mila Rowyszn and Oliwia Drożdż, the official music video for “THAT GIRL” is a masterclass in visual storytelling, effortless charisma, and culture-blending choreography. Blending retro animation with warm, sun-drenched live-action aesthetics, Tyla presents a compelling vision for modern global pop stars.

1. The Sound: Where Amapiano Meets Global Pop Confidence

At its core, “THAT GIRL” builds upon Tyla’s signature sound profile: lush R&B hooks grounded by the syncopated log drums of South African Amapiano and the melodic bounce of Afrobeats. Produced alongside heavyweights like P2J, the track offers a laid-back, infectious groove that lets Tyla’s effortless vocal delivery shine.

Why “THAT GIRL” Connects:

  • Unapologetic Self-Assurance: The song captures the playful confidence of owning your presence without needing validation.

  • Cross-Genre Harmony: By bridging Johannesburg club sounds with polished Western pop structures, Tyla proves that African genres can lead global chart trends.
  • Smooth Rhythmic Transitions: The arrangement shifts between breezy vocal melodies and deep basslines, creating a track tailored equally for TikTok dance trends and radio airplay.

2. Warm Tones & Nostalgic Animation: The Visual Aesthetics

Visually, “THAT GIRL” stands out through its distinct color palette and creative artistic direction. Moving away from sterile, hyper-futuristic pop video tropes, the visual relies heavily on warm, golden-hour tones, soft lighting, and nostalgic textures.

The interaction between live-action performance and retro animation reinforces the breezy, playful tone of APOP. Tyla glides through stylized environments with an easy charm that transforms every frame into a fashion editorial.

3. Choreography: Fluidity, Isolation, and Authentic Bounce

Dance has always been Tyla’s secret weapon, and “THAT GIRL” delivers some of her most mesmerizing physical routines to date. Rooted in traditional South African dance styles like Bacardi mixed with contemporary Afrobeats movement, the choreography emphasizes subtle control rather than chaotic, high-energy gymnastics.

“The magic in Tyla’s movement isn’t brute force; it’s the impossible fluidity in her hips paired with absolute precision on the beat.”

┌── Bacardi Hip Isolations (South Africa)
│
African Dance ───┼── Afrobeats Groove & Footwork
Rhythms │
└── Smooth R&B Pop Fluidity

Key Choreographic Highlights:

  1. Micro-Hip Isolations: Executing lightning-fast Bacardi waist rolls while maintaining absolute stability in her upper body.

  2. Polyrhythmic Synchronicity: Moving effortlessly across intricate Amapiano log drum patterns with relaxed, unhurried ease.

  3. Casual Precision: The ensemble sequences feature backup dancers moving in relaxed unison, giving the entire video an organic, party-like feel rather than a rigid stage performance.

4. Cultural Impact: Cementing Her Status on the Global Stage

“THAT GIRL” is more than just another polished music video rollout—it marks a victory lap for an artist who successfully took African pop music to the global mainstream without diluting its roots.

By leaning into her authentic heritage, sound, and visual identity, Tyla provides a blueprint for how international artists can dominate world charts while remaining proudly rooted in their home country’s culture.

As Tyla prepares to launch The A*POP World Tour, “THAT GIRL” serves as a definitive statement: she isn’t just following current music trends—she is actively setting them.