“Disney, hmu (hit me up) when you’re free.” “I just wanna be a princessssss.”
Those were Tyla’s words back in 2023, and if there was ever proof that the Grammy Award-winning singer knows how to manifest, this might be it.
The Johannesburg-born star has spent years speaking her dreams into existence, from confidently declaring that she would become a global star to now landing a role in one of Disney and Pixar’s most beloved franchises.
The brands have officially announced that Tyla has joined the voice cast of “Toy Story 5”, making her Disney voice acting debut as Inflatable Flamingo in the Sub-Saharan African version of the film.
The 24-year-old joins an impressive cast that includes Hollywood heavyweights such as Tom Hanks, who returns as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack as Jessie, Conan O’Brien as Smarty Pants, Greta Lee as Lilypad and Tony Hale as Forky.
The “Is It” singer shared why the opportunity is particularly meaningful to her given the role the franchise played during her childhood.
“’Toy Story’ has been such a special part of my childhood, so being part of this film is a full-circle moment for me. I’m incredibly excited for audiences to experience it, and it means so much to know that African viewers will hear an African voice bringing one of these beloved characters to life,” she said.
The announcement adds yet another milestone to what has already been a career-defining few years for the singer.
Since breaking through globally with “Water”, Tyla has gone on to win two Grammy Awards; she dominates charts around the world and has become one of South Africa’s biggest music exports.
In 2025, Tyla joined a star-studded “Smurfs” movie soundtrack alongside Rihanna and rapper Cardi B.
She contributed to the soundtrack with a song titled “Everything Goes With Blue”. Now she’s adding voice acting to her growing list of achievements.
According to Disney and Pixar, in “Toy Story 5”, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the rest of the toys face a brand-new challenge as they come up against modern technology.
The story introduces Lilypad, a tablet device with her own ideas about what’s best for Bonnie, setting up a clash between traditional toys and the digital world.
The film is directed by Andrew Stanton and co-directed by Kenna Harris, with music once again composed by Randy Newman.
∎ “Toy Story 5” opens in cinemas on June 19.
