South African pop sensation Tyla has released her much-anticipated single Bliss, marking her first solo drop since the deluxe edition of her self-titled debut album in October 2024. The track, produced by NOVA WAV and Sir Nolan, serves as the lead single for her upcoming sophomore album, which Tyla hinted will showcase a fresh sound while retaining her core identity. Following her global breakout with Water in 2023 and recent features like the Show Me Love remix with WizTheMc, which hit No. 11 on Billboard Global Excl. US, Bliss arrives amid high expectations, fueled by Tyla’s Coachella 2025 preview and her stunning Met Gala appearance on May 5.
Bliss is a smouldering Afro-pop ballad that intertwines R&B’s emotional depth with amapiano’s euphoric undertones, exploring the transcendent power of love. Tyla’s lyrics, like “I don’t wanna be in the world without you / Baby, I don’t wanna let out my sight,” reflect an all-encompassing desire to stay connected, while the chorus—“You take me to bliss / Never felt a love like this / Never found it, never found it”—captures the euphoric escape love offers. Her vocals glide over a rich, melodic soundscape, with lines such as “Let my smile bring you peace of mind / Burnin’ desire when you throw your arms all around me” evoking a spiritual and physical closeness. The track’s ethereal vibe is amplified by its visual rollout, featuring Tyla with angelic wings, a motif that first appeared in her April 29 teaser and aligns with the song’s theme of transcendence.
The single’s release follows a strategic buildup, starting with a Coachella performance on April 18, where Tyla debuted the track to an electrified crowd, and a pre-save campaign that sent fans into a frenzy. Social media buzz has been intense, with listeners calling it a “summer vibe” and praising its “poppy” energy, suggesting Tyla’s evolution into a more diverse soundscape. The song’s title also ties into her Erewhon smoothie, Bliss by Tyla, with proceeds supporting 18twenty8, a South African non-profit empowering young women—a nod to her commitment to social impact. With Bliss, Tyla continues to blend her Johannesburg roots with global appeal, delivering a track that feels deeply personal and universally resonant, setting the stage for her next chapter.
Listen to Bliss here.
