Two of Africa’s hottest rising stars just came together for a track that screams self-worth. And yes, Tyla and Ayra Starr know their self-worth in “Girl Next Door.”
Tagged as a “global superstar-in-waiting” by PopBuzz and said to be on a mission to rise to the summit of South Africa’s music scene, Tyla is a trailblazer and she looks set to keep collecting crowns along the way. So, if you happen to be dating Tyla at the moment, “don’t mess this up,” because, seriously, “there’s a lot of options, wishing they were you.”
“Go easy, don’t act like you don’t need me now / You’re so busy but don’t act like you don’t see me now / Don’t be greedy and jump on the next thing you see now,” Tyla sings in the song’s first verse, after issuing a “don’t mess this up” warning in the opening chorus.
Starr comes in on the second verse, promising that another girl’s love “ain’t gonna bе better than mine,” but if the love interest wants to try and find out, “I won’t waste no time, I can have another you by 9.”
Speaking on the collab via a press release, Tyla says: “I absolutely loved working with Ayra Starr on our new single ‘Girl Next Door’. She’s such a talented artist and I feel like our energies really came together to create something special. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”
The vibey afro-beats track is produced by Nigerian producer P.Priime, who is known for working with Wizkid, Omah Lay, and Bad Boy Timz, and marks the first collab between these two rising African stars. The song is written by Tyla, Corey Marlon, Lindsay-Keay, Ayra Starr, and P.Priime.
“Girl Next Door” follows Tyla’s hit single “Been Thinking,” produced by multiple GRAMMY Award-winning producer Tricky Stewart, who has worked with global powerhouses Beyoncé and Rihanna. The single received critical acclaim and incited tastemaker applause worldwide.
Tyla rose to fame for her unique pop and R&B vocals that are reminiscent of Aaliyah and Cassie’s. Her combination of R&B with elements of Amapiano further set her apart from other South African Gen-Z pop stars.
This year has been an especially successful one for her, as she served as the opening act for the European leg of Chris Brown’s “Under The Influence Tour.” She also made her Fashion Week debut at Dolce & Gabbana’s Milan show, where she sat next to the reality television Queen Kim Kardashian.