By Nokwanda Ncwane
South African-born international pop star Tyla Seethal has dismissed speculation that she had signed with hip-hop mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter’s entertainment company, Roc Nation.
The rumours spread rapidly across social media after claims emerged that Tyla had joined the company, which manages and represents several high-profile artists, including Rihanna, Alicia Keys, J. Cole and Ayra Starr.
The speculation was fuelled by an image purportedly showing a Times Square billboard reading, “Roc Nation welcomes Tyla to the family.” However, the image was digitally manipulated.
It had been altered from visuals used during Roc Nation’s campaign commemorating the 30th anniversary of Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt album. The genuine campaign featured Times Square billboards, pop-up events and merchandise releases in late June, but did not include any announcement about Tyla.
Tyla addressed the rumours on Instagram, making it clear that she had not signed with Roc Nation.
“I’m not signed to Roc Nation but my album, APOP drops 24/7 (24 July 2026),” the Grammy Award-winning singer wrote.
The clarification comes as anticipation builds for Tyla’s second studio album, APOP, which is scheduled for release on 24 July.
Tyla is currently signed to Epic Records, in partnership with Fax Records, and has continued to build an international profile following the global success of her hit single Water. The song earned her the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, cementing her status as one of South Africa’s biggest musical exports.
