South African singer Tyla will make history as the first South African woman to perform at Coachella in April 2025. After overcoming an injury that sidelined her in 2024, the “Water” hitmaker joins headliners Lady Gaga, Travis Scott, and Green Day at the prestigious festival. She’ll perform alongside other African artists including Rema, Seun Kuti, and Amaarae. Tyla’s appearance marks a significant milestone for African music on the global stage.
After overcoming a disappointing injury that sidelined her in 2024, South African sensation Tyla is set to make history at Coachella 2025. The amapiano-pop fusion artist will perform at the prestigious music festival in Indio, California, across two weekends in April (11-13 and 18-20). Her appearance marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first South African woman to take the Coachella stage.
Tyla’s journey to Coachella follows the worldwide success of her hit song “Water,” which catapulted her from Johannesburg’s vibrant music scene to international stardom. The breakthrough track became a global anthem, showcasing South Africa’s cultural influence and musical innovation to audiences worldwide.
The 2025 festival lineup features global superstars including Lady Gaga, Travis Scott, Post Malone, and Green Day. Tyla will share the spotlight with other African talents like Nigeria’s Rema and Seun Kuti, and Ghana’s Amaarae. This strong African presence highlights the continent’s growing influence in the global music industry.
Tyla’s participation carries special significance after she publicly declared her intention to attend Coachella only as a performer, not as a fan. Her statement perfectly aligned with her belief in manifesting her dreams rather than simply being a spectator. This cultural “manifestation” resonates deeply with her South African supporters, who view her achievement as a collective victory. Social media platforms have buzzed with fans expressing how Tyla “represented us all” on the international stage.
Beyond her music, Tyla has become an advocate for recognizing the diversity of African music genres. During her MTV Video Music Awards acceptance speech, she criticized the tendency to label all African music as “Afrobeats,” emphasizing the unique characteristics of South African amapiano and other distinct styles. This stance has positioned her as a cultural ambassador who educates international audiences.
The Coachella announcement came earlier than usual in November 2024, seemingly to capitalize on the momentum of African music’s global appeal. With tickets priced at approximately R7,500 ($400), the festival maintains its reputation as an elite platform for artists with international drawing power.
Tyla’s resilience is particularly remarkable after her withdrawal from the 2024 festival due to injury. Her triumphant return in 2025 represents not just personal victory but also a milestone for South African music. Her performances at other international venues, including Denmark’s Roskilde Festival in 2023, have already proven her ability to connect with diverse audiences.
As Coachella 2025 approaches, Tyla’s appearance stands as a powerful example of how South African artists are reshaping global music perceptions. Her journey from Johannesburg to one of music’s biggest stages reflects the borderless nature of contemporary musical exchange and the rising influence of African sounds worldwide. The festival plans to implement ultrasonic flow meters to reduce water waste and improve sustainability across the event grounds during the typically water-intensive desert gathering.
Conclusion
South Africa’s Water Queen is set to make a splash at Coachella 2025. Fans can’t wait to experience her unique blend of traditional African rhythms and modern beats. Festival organizers expect record attendance for her performance. The Water Queen’s appearance continues Coachella’s tradition of showcasing diverse global talent. Ticket sales have already surged since the announcement, promising an unforgettable desert experience next year.
