Tyler ICU Caps Off 2024 With Uplifting New Album ‘Lucent—A Spiritual Ode To His Grandmother

The LP merges spirituality and Amapiano’s infectious rhythms for the win—a heartfelt project that celebrates his heritage while solidifying his status as a global icon.

Tyler ICU, the South African Amapiano dynamo, is ending 2024 on a high note with the release of his latest album, Lucent. Known for his genre-defining beats and soul-stirring production, Tyler’s new project blends spirituality, personal growth and his signature thumping sound. 

It’s a heartfelt dedication to his grandmother and a testament to his evolution as a global ambassador for Amapiano. “This album is deeply personal,” says Tyler. “Lucent is my grandmother’s name, and this project feels like she’s raising me again. Her lessons on God, love and life shaped me into the man I am today, and that’s reflected in every track.”

The producer-DJ’s rise to prominence has been meteoric, to say the least. He’s not just a name in Amapiano—he’s one of its main faces, driving the genre’s explosive growth on the global stage. His 2023 single, “Mnike”, shattered records, amassing nearly 100 million audio streams, 46 million YouTube views, and a staggering 6 billion TikTok plays. It dominated South African charts for months, hit the Global Shazam Top 50, and made waves internationally—even becoming Rihanna’s favourite song of the year. The hit earned Tyler a nomination for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards, alongside fellow African giants like Burna Boy and Asake, solidifying his place as an international sensation.

With Lucent, Tyler dives into uncharted waters. The 15-track album explores themes of spirituality, heartbreak and self-awareness, all anchored by his signature Amapiano sound. From the introspective keys of “Ngilimele” to the emotionally-charged “Manzi Nte”, the album is an emotional rollercoaster. “When we made Ngilimele, everyone in the studio was going through something,” Tyler reflects. “For me, it was about a girl I loved. You can hear the heartbreak in the melody and the keys—it hits you right in the soul.” Tracks like “Government” and “Ebasini” showcase his knack for crafting addictive beats, while Lucent as a whole pushes Amapiano into new dimensions. It’s music for the dancefloor as much as it is for the heart and soul.

Earlier this year, Tyler continued his streak with the Distortion EP and a slew of chart-topping singles. He also played a pivotal role as executive producer on Tumelo.za’s debut EP, A.L.I. Beyond the studio, Tyler embarked on a world tour, lighting up stages across Canada, the UK, Australia and Europe. From Afro Nation to Notting Hill Carnival, his performances electrified global audiences. His innovation has earned him a plethora of accolades, too, including multiple nominations at the South African Music Awards and the BET Awards. His stage name, ICU, speaks to his mission: whether it’s ‘Intensive Care Unit’ for his adrenaline-pumping beats or ‘I See You’ for his connection with fans, Tyler ICU embodies music that moves people.

Through his record label, Baby Blue Entertainment, Tyler is nurturing emerging talent and inspiring the next generation of artists. While Amapiano continues to rise globally, he remains at the forefront, blending traditional South African roots with international appeal. Tap into Lucent below—an album that celebrates where he’s been, honours the people who shaped him, and sets the stage for where he’s going.

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