South African pop star Tyla has dismissed viral claims that she has signed with Jay-Z's Roc Nation, setting the record straight as she prepares to release her sophomore album, APOP, on July 24.
The Grammy-winning singer addressed the speculation on her Instagram Stories before sharing the same message on her feed.
"I'm not signed to Roc Nation," Tyla wrote, ending days of online speculation about her professional future.
The rumours began circulating on June 30 after several online publications and social media accounts claimed the 24-year-old had opted not to renew her contract with Epic Records following its alleged expiry.
The speculation intensified after an X account claimed Roc Nation had officially welcomed Tyla to its roster, alleging she had signed a multi-million-dollar deal and even received a personal call from Jay-Z.
Fueling the claims was a viral image appearing to show a digital billboard in New York's Times Square featuring Roc Nation's signature triangle hand gesture alongside the words, "Roc Nation welcomes Tyla to the family."
However, the image was doctored.
It had been altered from Roc Nation's genuine Reasonable Doubt 30th anniversary campaign, which featured Times Square billboards, pop-up events and merchandise drops in late June.
The rumours gained traction because they appeared plausible.
Roc Nation has been expanding its presence in Africa, and in 2025 Nigerian star Ayra Starr signed a global management deal with the company while remaining signed to Mavin Records for her recording career.
The speculation also reignited the long-running online rivalry between Tyla and Ayra Starr's fanbases.
Some social media users portrayed the rumoured move as Tyla "joining their camp," adding fuel to ongoing comparisons between the two stars over chart success, awards and global influence.