Austin Baloyi professionally known as Tyler ICU, was born and raised in Tembisa, Johannesburg. Tyler has become a household name in the South African producing scene. He began his musical career in 2006, making beats out of the back room of his home. In 2016 Tyler ICU met Vyno Miller and the two artists collaborated on a song called “Statement”. Later during that year, Tyler met Mas Musiq and the two artists collaborated on several unreleased projects along with Vyno Miller.
One of the unreleased projects found its way to the ears of multi-talented producer and artist, DJ Maphorisa, who subsequently invited Tyler to attend a studio session with him. In this session, Tyler collaborated with KLY and produced the song “Black Forrest”. In 2019 he contributed to the songs such as “It’s You” and “Emazulwini” off BET award-winner Shasha’s EP titled “Blossom”.
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He proceeded to produce Dr Peppa’s hit “What it is” which features Riky Rick, Lucasraps and Chang Cello. Following the success of the song, Tyler ICU went on to collaborate with one of Africa’s biggest artists, Cassper Nyovest where he worked on the song “Good For That” which achieved Gold status. Tyler then proceeded to expand and illustrate his diversity by co- producing multiple singles off “Scorpion Kings”, “Scorpion Kings Live” album which featured hits such as “Hello”, “Emcimbini” and “Energy”. He also went on to produce Daliwonga’s “Uyang’Testa” album
Tyler also produced one of South Africa’s favorite hit “Ungazincishi” by Riky Rick ft Focalistic which took South Africa by storm. Tyler ICU released his album in 2020 titled “Money Heist” with the talented Nicole Elocin, the album included hit singles such as “Bella Ciao” and “Risky”. The Bella Ciao audio video has since surpassed 1,7 million views on YouTube and was featured on Apple Music’s Top 100: South Africa playlist. Tyler’s most recent project “Banyana EP” which he released alongside DJ Maphorisa has done exceptionally well with one of the singles “Banyana” reaching double platinum status. Tyler continues to make the biggest waves and hits in the South African music industry!
Tyler ICU – MNIKE
Discography: Albums & Eps
• Amapiano Effect, Album released 2020
• Money Heist, Album released 2020
• Banyana EP alongside DJ Maphorisa, released 2021
• Freddy vs Tyler, Album released 2022
• Buya Nini, Album released 2022
Awards / Nominations
2022 SAMAs – Record of the Year Nominee: “Banyana” DJ Maphorisa and Tyler ICU feat. Daliwonga, Sir Trill and Kabza De Small
2023 SA Amapiano Awards – Best Amapiano Produced Song: “Izolo” by DJ Maphorisa & Tyler ICU feat. Madumane, Mpura, Daliwonga & Visca