Pop star Tyla reveals she often goes undercover in New York as she opens up on trying to maintain a private life

Tyla has revealed she regularly goes incognito in New York so she can do everyday things without being recognised.

Speaking to the October issue of ELLE UK, the global star said she’s always protected her private life - and going undercover is one of the ways she keeps hold of her independence.

The Water hitmaker said: “I’ve always been the type to keep things private, because I think it’s cute to have this relationship with yourself."

She explained that carving out space away from the spotlight has become essential.

Tyla said: “I think you take for granted the importance of doing things for yourself. And how good it feels to do things for yourself. There have been so many times that I’ve run away from [security guards]. I’m like, ‘Leave me alone!’”

Tyla loves disappearing into New York and doing normal things like taking the Subway. Tyla kept tight-lipped when asked what disguise she uses to stay unnoticed, telling the interviewer: “Then you’re gonna tell. Right now, I could be anyone.”

She insists it's a tactic that helps her stay grounded as her fame accelerates

She explained: “When you’re a celebrity, you sometimes get lost in it. You think that that’s the real world, but it’s not."

Growing up far from the industry gave the South African perspective she still relies on.

She said: “Because I was able to watch the industry from afar – very far, from the bottom of Africa – I saw it as this untouchable realm. Now that I’m in it, I know the difference. I know what’s real and I know what’s not.”

That distance is exactly why she can enjoy the surreal parts of fame without letting them consume her.

She added: “And I think that’s why I’m able to be more playful about it now and not take it as seriously. Because it isn’t that serious. There are way more serious things happening in the world, you know.”