Tyler ICU – Biography, Real Name, Age and Career
Tyler ICU, born Austin Baloyi on January 3, 1989, is a South African singer, DJ, and music producer known for his impactful contributions to the Amapiano genre. His rise to prominence has been marked by collaborations with notable Mzansi artists such as Vyno Miller, Shino Kikai, Steezy, and Ab9, as well as industry heavyweights like DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA, and Tyron Dee.
Tyler ICU’s journey into music began at a young age when he started DJing at local events. Adopting the stage name “Tyler ICU” in the early 2010s, he steadily built a reputation by releasing music online. His breakthrough came in 2020 with the hit “Bella Ciao,” which not only topped the South African iTunes chart but also gained international recognition on the Shazam charts. The song’s feature on the Money Heist soundtrack further cemented his success.
Following this, Tyler ICU continued to dominate the Amapiano scene with hits like “Mnike” and “Banyana.” His collaborations with artists such as Focalistic, Daliwonga, and DJ Maphorisa further solidified his status as a key figure in the genre. As one of Amapiano’s pioneers, he has played a crucial role in popularizing the sound globally, inspiring a new generation of artists.
Early Life
Tyler ICU, a highly skilled South African singer, DJ, and music producer, was born Austin Baloyi on January 3, 1989, in Tembisa, Johannesburg. Raised by his parents, whose identities remain undisclosed, Tyler ICU developed a passion for music early on. His upbringing played a key role in shaping his musical journey, leading him to become one of the leading figures in the Amapiano genre.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Austine Baloyi |
| Stage Name | Tyler ICU |
| Place of Birth | Tembisa in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Occupation | Musician, DJ and Producer |
| Nationality | South African |
| tylericu (777k followers) | |
| Tyler ICU (944k followers) | |
| @Tyer_ICU (17.4k followers) | |
| TikTok | Tyler_ijcu (11.4k followers) |
| [email protected] | |
| Bookings | @Blaqboymusic |
Career
Tyler ICU began his musical journey at the age of 15 and has since evolved into a leading figure in South Africa’s Amapiano scene. Currently signed with DJ Maphorisa’s Blaqboy Music label, he has collaborated with top artists such as Cassper Nyovest, Riky Rick, Kabza De Small, and King Monada. His productions have contributed to the success of numerous musicians, and he dreams of working with international stars like Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Learning from DJ Maphorisa has played a crucial role in refining his skills. His work on Cassper Nyovest’s “Good for That” highlights his rising success in the industry, making him a role model for aspiring artists and producers.
Discography
Albums
2020 – Amapiano Effect
2020 – Money Heist
2022 – Freddy Vs Tyler
2022 – Buya Nini
2024 – Lucent
2024 – Secret Bounce
Selected Singles
2024 – Balimele
2024 – Into Emnandi
2024 – Molo
2024 – Scorpio [EP]
2024 – Samba Soke
2024 – Ama Meter
2025 – Wa Hemba