South African pop sensation Tyla continues her meteoric rise by enlisting dancehall superstar Sean Paul for the remix of her Billboard Hot 100 hit Push 2 Start. The collaboration announced via Tyla’s social media, is a strategic move that blends her futuristic Afropop sound with Sean Paul’s signature dancehall energy—bringing the track to an even wider audience. With Push 2 Start peaking at No. 88 on the Hot 100 and her breakout hit Water nearing a billion Spotify streams, Tyla is solidifying her place as a global force.
The addition of Sean Paul, known for timeless hits like Temperature and Get Busy, is no coincidence. His track record of genre-blurring success has made him a go-to collaborator for artists looking to tap into dancehall’s infectious rhythm. “All those songs are so nostalgic and special and vibey. I really wanted that feeling on the song,” Tyla shared, emphasizing the remix’s throwback appeal. Given Sean Paul’s enduring international fan base and his past collaborations with pop powerhouses like Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, and Sia, his presence on Push 2 Start could introduce Tyla to a more Caribbean and reggae-inclined audience, further boosting the song’s traction.
This move follows a well-worn path where pop artists amplify their hits by incorporating dancehall heavyweights. From Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You (Remix) with Nyla to Rihanna’s Work, which leaned heavily on patois-infused melodies, the genre has long been a catalyst for mainstream success. For Tyla, this collaboration not only enhances her credibility in the global fusion space but also continues the evolving synergy between African and Caribbean music. With Push 2 Start now getting a fresh dancehall twist, it’s clear that Tyla is playing the long game—bridging continents and carving out a legacy far beyond her breakout year.
