Tyla Reveals Babalwa M and MaWhoo as Featured Artists on “APOP”

Tyla has confirmed that Babalwa M and MaWhoo will feature on her sophomore album, APOP*. The announcement came a day after Tyla unveiled the album’s lineup. Alongside Swedish artist Zara Larsson, the inclusion of Babalwa M and MaWhoo shows that Tyla is committed to working with top musical talents. 

The collaborations are split across two songs on the album. MaWhoo appears on “Crazy Of Me,” while Babalwa M features on “I Don’t Care.” Their names came as a shock to many because Tyla had kept most of the album’s guest appearances under wraps. Until the reveal, Zara Larsson was the only officially confirmed collaborator.

MaWhoo is known for her Afro house skills. This made her one of South Africa’s most streamed female vocalists. Babalwa M is also a successful collaborator within the amapiano and 3 Step scenes. By bringing both artists onto APOP*Tyla has kept local influences at the center of the project. 

Photo: Instagram

MaWhoo had already hinted at the collaboration before the official announcement. During an interview on YFM, she revealed that she had recorded a song with Tyla and didn’t elaborate. 

“So I did a song with Tyla as well, it’s actually an amazing song and I’m excited,” she said.

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Tyla explained that the album embraces international pop, R&B and dance music she grew up listening to. Tyla has described APOP* as an effort to show that African music belongs within global pop. In an interview with Kreative Korner, she said, 

“My first album, I feel like I really honoured my African roots, and this one I wanted to honour not only that but also just what I enjoyed as a child, what I grew up listening to. As South Africans, we’re influenced by so many different genres, and as Tyla, I wanted to show myself more,” 

Photo: Instagram

APOP* is scheduled for release on July 24, 2026 through FAX Records and Epic Records. The album contains 14 tracks, including previously released singles such as “Chanel,” “Is It,” “Is It Love,” and “She Did It Again”. Tyla has also hosted exclusive listening events ahead of the release, building anticipation among fans worldwide.

These collaborations represent one of the biggest international opportunities for both artists. Tyla is one of Africa’s most successful global artists, and featuring on APOP* gives both singers exposure to international audiences.