South African music star, Tyla, has launched a scholarship programme worth $50,000 to support young women pursuing music and arts-related degrees in South Africa and the United States, offering financial assistance and opportunities to gain closer exposure to the music industry.
The initiative, known as the “That Girl Music Scholarship”, is being organised in partnership with Epic Records and will provide funding to 10 undergraduate students seeking to build careers in the creative industry.
The announcement was first reported by Essence magazine, after which Tyla acknowledged the news by sharing the publication’s report on her Instagram story.
Each successful applicant will receive $5,000, equivalent to approximately R82,000, to support educational expenses.
The programme will prioritise candidates who demonstrate financial need and strong academic performance.
Four of the scholarships have been reserved for students in South Africa, while the remaining six will go to students in the United States.
The American recipients will be selected from New York, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Tampa, Houston and Los Angeles, corresponding to selected locations on Tyla’s ongoing “A*POP” World Tour.
Students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities will receive priority consideration in the United States.
The scholarship takes its name from “That Girl”, a track on Tyla’s second studio album, APOP*.
Although the song explores themes of luxury and expensive gifts, the scholarship initiative broadens the idea to encompass women’s aspirations, education and financial independence.
Beyond the financial support, successful applicants will receive concert tickets and an opportunity to meet the singer during her tour, providing them with a chance to experience aspects of the music industry beyond their academic studies.
To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old and enrolled as full-time undergraduate students pursuing music or arts-related qualifications at eligible institutions.
South African candidates must be studying at, or preparing to enter, an eligible institution when Tyla performs in the country.
Applicants are also required to submit a one-page personal statement, a 30-second video, an academic transcript and evidence of financial need.
The scholarship announcement comes as Tyla takes her latest album to international audiences through her first headlining world tour.
The 34-date tour began at Zénith Paris–La Villette in Paris on Monday, October 12, with South African DJ and producer Royal MusiQ appearing as a special guest on opening night.
Royal MusiQ subsequently expressed appreciation to Tyla on social media for including him in the event.
“Paris got the first chapter. Had to leave my mark. Love to Tyla for having me. A*POP is in motion. Europe, I like where this is going,” he wrote.
Following the opening performance in Paris, the tour continued to Amsterdam on October 13, with subsequent stops scheduled for London, Glasgow, Manchester and other European cities.
North American dates are planned for November, while the South African leg is scheduled for January 2027.
Tyla has also added a second Gauteng performance to the tour following strong ticket demand.
She is now scheduled to perform at Pretoria’s SunBet Arena on January 8 and 9, 2027.
The January 9 show was initially planned for the Nasrec Outdoor Area in Johannesburg but was moved to SunBet Arena in Pretoria.
Promoters Showtime Management and Anything Goes said the decision followed concerns about potential Highveld thunderstorms, a review of the overall audience experience and requests from fans for a seated concert option.
Both Gauteng performances will therefore take place at the Pretoria venue.
With four scholarships allocated to South African students, Tyla’s initiative is expected to provide financial assistance to young women seeking to advance their education and pursue careers in music and the arts.
The programme also comes as the singer continues to strengthen her international presence, creating an opportunity for aspiring musicians to receive educational support while drawing inspiration from her growing global career.
