Austin Baloyi, known professionally as Tyler ICU, hails from the vibrant streets of Tembisa, Johannesburg, where his journey into the South African music production scene took root. His musical odyssey commenced in 2006, as he crafted beats from the confines of his humble home studio.
In 2016, Tyler ICU’s path intersected with that of Vyno Miller, leading to their captivating collaboration on the track “Statement.” This fateful encounter set the stage for more artistic connections, particularly with the introduction of Mas Musiq into the mix. Together, they embarked on a series of unreleased musical ventures, alongside Vyno Miller.
One of these unreleased gems serendipitously found its way to the discerning ears of the multi-talented producer and artist, DJ Maphorisa. Impressed by Tyler’s talent, DJ Maphorisa invited him to a transformative studio session, where creative sparks flew. In collaboration with KLY, Tyler ICU produced the electrifying track “Black Forrest.”
The year 2019 witnessed Tyler ICU’s contributions to acclaimed projects, including BET award-winner Shasha’s EP, “Blossom,” featuring standout tracks like “It’s You” and “Emazulwini.” He further solidified his production prowess with the hit “What it is” by Dr. Peppa, featuring Riky Rick, Lucasraps, and Chang Cello.
Following the resounding success of “What it is,” Tyler ICU’s star continued to rise. He joined forces with one of Africa’s biggest artists, Cassper Nyovest, to craft the chart-topping “Good For That,” earning a prestigious Gold status. His versatility and skill shone through as he co-produced multiple singles for the “Scorpion Kings” and “Scorpion Kings Live” albums, producing hits like “Hello,” “Emcimbini,” and “Energy.” Tyler also lent his magic touch to Daliwonga’s “Uyang’Testa” album.
In a career-defining moment, Tyler ICU produced the South African favorite “Ungazincishi” by Riky Rick, featuring Focalistic, a song that ignited the nation. In 2020, Tyler ICU took center stage with his own album, “Money Heist,” in collaboration with the talented Nicole Elocin. The album boasted sensational singles such as “Bella Ciao” and “Risky,” with the former’s audio video amassing over 1.7 million views on YouTube and securing a spot on Apple Music’s Top 100: South Africa playlist.
Tyler ICU’s most recent triumph, the “Banyana EP,” released alongside DJ Maphorisa, has achieved remarkable success, with the single “Banyana” attaining double platinum status. As 2023 unfolds, Tyler ICU remains a driving force in the South African music industry, consistently delivering chart-toppers like “NgiMoja,” “Mnike,” and “Suka.” His musical journey continues to resonate with fans across the nation, cementing his status as a prominent figure in the realm of South African music.
