Tyla has directly addressed and shut down speculation that she has signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
In a statement shared to her Instagram Stories on Monday, the South African singer clarified, “I am NOT signed to Roc Nation,” putting a swift end to the rumors that had circulated widely across social media and entertainment outlets in the first week of July 2026.
The buzz began around July 1–2, with unverified reports claiming the “Water” hitmaker had inked a major multi-million-dollar global deal with Roc Nation following the end of her contract with Epic Records (via FAX Records). Posts featuring alleged Times Square billboards proclaiming “Welcome Home” and other celebratory messaging spread rapidly on platforms including Instagram, TikTok and X, with some accounts treating the news as confirmed. However, the claims were not backed by any official announcements from Tyla, her team, Roc Nation or Epic.
Further scrutiny revealed that much of the circulating “evidence,” including the billboard imagery, appeared to be fabricated or AI-generated. Tyla is not listed on Roc Nation’s official artist roster, and no corroborating statements have emerged from the parties involved.
Tyla used her denial to pivot toward more positive news, teasing her forthcoming sophomore album, APOP* (sometimes stylized as APOP*), due July 24 via FAX Records under exclusive license to Epic Records. The 14-track project blends pop, R&B and amapiano, with select songs recorded in South African natural settings to capture authentic ambient sounds. Described as unapologetic and confident with strong African roots, the album is expected to build on the global momentum Tyla gained from her breakout single “Water” and subsequent Grammy success.
Pre-save options are now live across streaming platforms, following the release of a high-energy trailer earlier this year.
Fans have largely reacted with relief and renewed excitement for the new album, with several already organizing listening parties in Johannesburg and beyond.
Tyla remains one of the most prominent African artists on the global stage. Updates on APOP* and further details are expected in the coming weeks as the July 24 release date approaches.
