Just when you thought everyone had settled on their favourite “A*POP” song, “That Girl” has stepped into the spotlight and brought a dance challenge with it.
Shortly after dropping her sophomore album “A*POP”, Tyla’s latest single “That Girl” has become much more than another fan favourite.
Thanks to a viral dance challenge taking over TikTok and Instagram, the song is definitely becoming the soundtrack of the moment.
A quick scroll through TikTok is all it takes to land in “That Girl” territory, where celebrities, choreographers and fans are all putting their own spin on the now-viral routine.
Whether they are nailing every count or simply vibing to the song, everybody just wants in on the “That Girl” moment.
The challenge has attracted plenty of familiar faces. Locally, Somizi Mhlongo, Bontle Modiselle and “The Real Housewives of Durban” star Jojo Robinson have all shared their take on the choreography.
Internationally, Lizzo joined the trend, while choreographer Donte Colley took the dance to the streets with his own chilled version.
Streamer Wardrobe also got in on the fun, while Kim Kardashian and Donatella Versace opted to use the song in their Instagram posts.
Cardi B, meanwhile, shared a video of herself in a pink pixie wig happily singing along to the track.
“That Girl” is one of the standout records from her sophomore album, which sees the Grammy winner fully embrace the sound she has always wanted to make.
It’s confident, playful and effortlessly catchy, blending polished pop production with the Amapiano-inspired log drums that have become part of her signature sound.
Tyla also gave the fan favourite some visuals. Directed by Mila Rowyszn and Oliwia Drożdż, the official music video drops viewers into the colourful fantasy world of “A*POP” where Tyla and her animated tiger companion celebrate all things luxury, confidence and fun.
However, it was not the music video that got everyone moving. The dance challenge actually started picking up after Tyla performed the song in the streets of New York for the Today Show as part of the Citi Concert Series on July 24, the same day “A*POP” dropped.
The performance itself went viral on social media with fans praising the choreography and Tyla's effortless moves.
The choreography is packed with slick formations and energetic breakdowns, however it’s the “phara walk” that has everyone talking.
While international fans have dubbed it the “stank walk”, South Africans immediately recognised it as a move that’s long been part of local dance culture.
Seeing it introduced to a global audience through Tyla has only made the challenge even more exciting for everyone participating.
If you’ve followed Tyla’s performances over the last few years, you’ll know the choreography has Lee-ché Janecke’s fingerprints all over it.
Better known as Litchi Hov, the South African choreographer once again teamed up with Tyla to create a winning formula when it comes to creating vibes routines that people actually want to learn.
Something else Tyla and her team have mastered, it’s turning songs into moments. Think “Water”, “Push 2 Start”, “Chanel” and now “That Girl”, they are making sure South African dance culture keeps finding new audiences around the world.
nomathamsanqa.sithathu@nationalmg.co.za