Tyla Announces Surprise Features on New Album “A*POP” With MaWhoo and Babalwa M

South African stars join Grammy winner’s highly anticipated project as Tyla continues to showcase African sounds globally

Tyla has surprised fans once again with the announcement of new collaborations on her highly anticipated second album, “A*POP.”

Just one day after revealing the official 14-track lineup for the project, the Grammy-winning South African singer unveiled the featured artists joining the album, confirming that MaWhoo and Babalwa M will appear alongside previously announced international collaborator Zara Larsson.

The announcement came as a surprise to many fans, with the two South African vocalists bringing their own unique styles and strong connections to the country’s evolving music scene.

MaWhoo and Babalwa M have both built successful careers through their contributions to some of South Africa’s biggest sounds, including amapiano, gqom and 3-Step. Their powerful vocals, distinctive styles and successful collaborations have made them two of the country’s most recognised voices.

Their inclusion on “A*POP” has sparked excitement among fans who are eager to hear how their sounds will blend with Tyla’s signature mix of pop, R&B and African influences.

MaWhoo will appear on the track “Crazy Of Me,” while Babalwa M will feature on “I Don’t Care.”

The collaboration reflects Tyla’s continued commitment to highlighting South African talent while expanding African music’s presence on the global stage.

Throughout her career, Tyla has consistently challenged expectations by combining different genres and refusing to be limited to one musical identity.

Her breakthrough helped introduce the world to “popiano,” a style that blends pop melodies with amapiano influences. With “A*POP,” the singer appears ready to explore even more sounds that have shaped her artistic journey.

Before the official announcement, MaWhoo had already hinted that she had worked with Tyla during an interview on YFM.

She revealed that the collaboration was “an amazing song” and encouraged fans not to expect something predictable. MaWhoo also explained that the track would not follow a typical Afro-pop direction, describing it instead as more mellow and relaxed.

Tyla previously explained that “A*POP” represents a new chapter in her career and personal growth.

The singer said that while her debut album focused heavily on celebrating her African roots, the new project would explore a wider range of influences from the music she grew up listening to.

She explained that South African artists are influenced by many different genres and that she wanted the album to show more sides of herself as an artist.

The addition of MaWhoo and Babalwa M strengthens the album’s connection to South Africa’s diverse music culture while giving two respected local artists a platform alongside one of the country’s biggest international stars.

With collaborations featuring artists from different musical backgrounds, “A*POP” is shaping up to be a project that blends African identity with global pop sounds.

As anticipation continues to grow, fans are waiting to discover how Tyla’s latest musical chapter will redefine her sound and further showcase the influence of South African music worldwide.