RICKY TYLER
RICKY TYLER
Biography
Bokamoso Kgomotso Molema, better known by his stage name Ricky Tyler was born free, May 15th 1994. just one month after South Africa’s first democratic elections
Raised by his single mother, whom he calls "the most inspirational woman I have ever met," Ricky grew up in Spruitview Gardens, Johannesburg, as the youngest of three siblings.
Ricky's entertainment career took off in 2012 when he entered a talent search audition held by the Applause Rising Talent Showcase & International Arts Convention. He impressed the judges and earned the opportunity to walk the runway at PLITZ New York Fashion Week in 2013. In 2016, Ricky signed with PlayGround Productions and released his debut single "Swerve," which was later remixed by fellow Def Jam artist Tshego.
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Ricky's talents continued to shine as he collaborated with DJ Speedsta on the track "Understand," wrote and performed the intro soundtrack for Vuzu Rich Kids Season 2, and gained further recognition with his single "Deja Vu." This success led to his invitation to Afropunk’s Battle of the Bands competition, where he made it to the final stages.
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In early 2020, Playground Productions partnered with Universal Music Group, resulting in Ricky joining the UMG South Africa roster. His first single with UMG, "Thirty K's," garnered over half a million streams and views across all major platforms. In May 2020, Def Jam Recordings and Universal Music Group launched Def Jam Africa; a pan-African label division, selecting Ricky Tyler to join the roster alongside nine powerhouse artists from South Africa and Nigeria, including Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai, Tellaman, Nasty C, Boity, Larry Gaga, Tshego, and Vector.
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Ricky’s debut album, **Small World**, was released on July 17, 2020, and has since been streamed over two million times across all major platforms. From the amazing reception and success of the album, Ricky’s song “Everything” was featured on the pan-African inspired soundtrack to Eddie Murphy’s Coming 2 America, “Rhythms of Zamunda,” which featured the likes of Ari Lennox, Nasty C, Tekno, and more. Ricky was then invited to perform "Everything" on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert.
Ricky Tyler's collaboration with Nairobi songstress Karun resulted in the single "Video Games," which is the first release from his second project, Happy 2 Be Alive. His year was capped off with performances at the Feel Good Series live event and a sold-out one-man show at MUZE, one of the top clubs in the world, located in Nairobi, Kenya.
Continuing the road to his sophomore album, Happy 2 Be Alive, he released "Sunday Drive," an 80s-inspired RnB/Pop record featuring R&B sensation Tellaman.
Ricky Tyler was featured on Durex's EP campaign titled **ForPlay**, contributing to a musical project that includes some of the industry's top talents. During the campaign, Ricky Tyler and Nanette created an R&B masterpiece called **"Sweet Escape,"** which was chosen as the lead single off the EP by Durex. The 6-track project includes contributions from Blxckie, Nanette, Una Rams, Tshego, Musa Keys, and more.
Starting off 2024, Ricky released **"Another Episode,"** an afro-pop inspired banger featuring Bien from the famous band Sauti Sol. Produced by PLXYGRND and Murphy Cubic, the track blends afro-pop with RnB and Amapiano influences. Another Episode was Apple Music song of the week Ricky’s latest single, **"Hold On,"** reflects his niece’s journey through life's ups and downs, serving as an anthem of hope and resilience.
His latest release, **"No More Discos,"** featuring Tyson Sybateli, serves as a heartfelt homage to hip-hop, Ricky's first love and the very reason he ventured into music. This uplifting rap anthem chronicles the inspiring journey of two artists, Ricky and Tyson, as they rise in the music business. Fearlessly navigating the challenges of the industry, they conquer their fears one bar at a time.
With a career marked by continuous growth and a diverse musical portfolio, Ricky Tyler remains a dynamic force in the South African music scene, captivating audiences with his unique sound and storytelling ability.
On 31 May 2024 Ricky Tyler released his deeply personal and sonically diverse 2nd album, ‘Happy 2 Be Alive’. This album explores themes of mental health, personal growth, fame, relationships, and faith, showcasing Ricky's multifaceted R&B sound blended with electronic, afro-pop, trap, and amapiano influences.
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Ricky Tyler shares, "Creating 'Happy 2 Be Alive' has been incredibly cathartic for me. I hope it resonates with listeners and reminds them to be grateful and hopeful." Featuring artists like Tyson Sybateli, PLXYGRND, Vuyina, Tellaman, Karun, Murphy Cubic, and Bien, the album is now available on all major streaming platforms.
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You can download and stream 'Happy 2 Be Alive' here
