GUAP MEETS : SKYLA TYLAA

Fresh off her Dankie Sounds set in Ibiza and just in time to celebrate her exciting collaboration with Trapstar London and Ed Hardy, GUAP caught up with Skyla Tylaa to discuss her journey as an artist.

From her passion for DJing that transcends the music itself, to the challenges she faced to become a notable name in Amapiano scene, Skyla shares more about what this creative journey means to her, beyond the decks.

What does your work mean to you, beyond just the final product? The final product being your performance/your set?

My work means everything to me.  I have so much fun dj’ing.  So, I take the job seriously because I simply want to have fun for the rest of my life.  I want everyone to feel good and lose themselves in the vibes with every set.  I also want people to experience new music, get some Skyla vibes, and yearn for more!

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced when you fully transitioned into your Amapiano bag?

Biggest challenge was me not being from SA.  I overcame that when I took a trip to SA last year.  That was a monumental trip in my career because I really tapped in with the culture, and established some really genuine friendships out there. Some of those friendships are even like family now and they’ve helped me so much in my career.  The Major League twins were extremely instrumental to introducing me to the continent and guiding me on my DJing skills. I’m forever grateful for everyone that has helped me along the way in the last two years of my career.

What’s been the most rewarding experience so far?

My most rewarding experience so far has been being able to work with my family and friends.  One of my managers is my sister, and it’s been really cool to build a professional relationship with her.  I also have a few of my friends who style me, from time to time.  And I’ve been able to build really close relationships with my team in general.  It feels good to have people that genuinely care for me.  I really trust them supporting me on my journey.  And vice versa, I care for them too!  I do my best to show out in every situation so our work together can also support their dreams and ambitions.  

You’re known as a DJ but as you explore other elements of the entertainment world, like fashion, what do envision being known for further down your career?

I’m not just a DJ!  Lol That’s like a slogan I have for myself.  I’m definitely going to explore other elements of the entertainment world, but as of now I’m still very tunnel visioned on achieving some goals in my DJ/music career.  I don’t feel like I’ve dominated in the Amapiano scene just yet.  I also want to put out music and get in the flow of being a musician.  I’ve actually just started teasing my debut single “Bombshell” on socials, it’s been really exciting to see everyone’s reaction and the dance challenges that have been linked to it. We haven’t set an actual release date, but it’s coming soon.  Eventually, I want to get into Afrohouse and start playing gigs and making music in that genre.

Can you share a moment when you almost gave up on your craft? What made you keep going?

I haven’t had that moment to be honest.  I’m really enjoying my craft right now, and I’m having so much fun!  Why would I wanna give up?  I do get nervous from time to time, especially on big stages.  But, I’ve learned that’s part of the thrill of the job.  

How do you navigate the balance between staying true to yourself and meeting external expectations?

That’s a good question, because I run into that quite often.  My mashups/remixes are the world where I find that balance.  For instance, I have one that usually goes off called “Badman Amapiano”.  It has Wizkid and Skillibeng over a popular Amapiano beat.  I feel part of why people love it so much is because has a little something for everyone, even me lol.  I’m actually planning to put those mashups/remixes out on my soundcloud soon!   

Discover more from the GUAP music section HERE !