BY ANATHI NOMPONDO
Gqeberha’s love for Tyla was on full display on Friday, 31 July, as local fans gathered in Walmer to celebrate the release of the South African Grammy Award-winning artist’s second studio album, APop* (African Pop).
Held at St James Restaurant on Heugh Road, the fan-hosted listening party transformed the venue into a colourful celebration of music, fashion and community, with guests embracing the album’s bold aesthetic through neon outfits, tiger-print clothing and glitter.
Upon arrival, attendees received event wristbands before making their way into the Champagne Room, where purple décor, neon graffiti and fluorescent lighting created an energetic atmosphere. Throughout the evening, fans, affectionately known as “Tigers”, sang along to Tyla’s latest tracks while dancing and connecting with fellow supporters.
Hosted by Darren Scharneck, the event was created to give local fans an opportunity to experience APop* together in a fun, welcoming environment.
“The purpose of this event is to celebrate Tyla’s sophomore album launch and have fun,” Scharneck said.
Beyond the music, the evening attracted a mix of lifestyle content creators, local influencers and media personalities, highlighting Tyla’s influence across fashion, beauty and popular culture. Guests spent time networking, creating content and sharing their excitement for the album while celebrating one of South Africa’s biggest global music stars.
Audience favourites from the new album included She Did It Again, featuring Zara Larsson, and Fairytale with Liquideep, with many fans enthusiastically singing every lyric throughout the night.
Entertainment extended beyond the album itself, with interactive games testing guests’ knowledge of Tyla’s music, career and personal journey to crown the evening’s ultimate “Tiger”. Scharneck also surprised attendees with a live performance of his song Zesty, reimagined with an APop*-inspired twist that had the crowd cheering and dancing along.
While the event celebrated the release of Tyla’s latest project, it also highlighted the sense of community her music has inspired. Bringing together fans from different backgrounds, the listening party demonstrated how APop* has resonated with audiences far beyond the stage, finding an enthusiastic home in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The evening served as a reminder that Tyla’s influence extends beyond chart success, creating spaces where music, creativity and community come together to celebrate African pop culture.
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