Toy Story 5 is almost here, and South Africa’s very own Tyla will have a role in the film. She shared her excitement with us.
Tyla is known as one of the biggest artists in the world right now, and now she gets to share her talent with the rest of the entertainment industry. Her voice will be heard in a special Sub-Saharan African version of the film, which will be in cinemas from 19 June. She says this is a full-circle moment for someone who grew up with Woody and Buzz Lightyear. Here’s what Tyla had to say.
Q: What was your reaction to being asked to join Toy Story 5?
T: I was so excited. I couldn’t believe the offer was even presented to me – like, this is literally Toy Story. I was asking my manager every day, “What’s happening with Toy Story?” I’m still so excited about it and I can’t wait for it to hit cinemas across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Q: What excited you most about being part of it?
T: The fact that my voice is going to be in something that will live on forever, that’s crazy. It’s a film that generations have watched, and the idea that even long after me, my voice will still be part of it is just insane. I also grew up watching Toy Story, my whole family loves it, so being part of something that was such a big part of my childhood is really special.
Q: What was your experience like recording for the film?
T: I got to see some scenes and record lines, with someone guiding me remotely from the Pixar studios in the United States, which was a really cool experience. I’ve always watched behind-the-scenes videos of voice recording for animated films, so to suddenly be doing that myself with the headphones and mic was such a full circle moment.
Q: How was recording for animation different from recording music?
T: It’s very different. When I record music, it’s usually dark and more private, but this was bright and there were a lot more people around. I really leaned on the team because they’re the experts, and I enjoyed just letting go and being guided through the process. It was a really cool experience.
Q: How would you describe Toy Story 5 in one sentence?
T: It’s something that feels really relevant right now-it’s exciting, meaningful, and just makes sense for where the world is.
Q: Why do you think the story feels so relevant today?
T: I think it’s about bringing imagination back. With how big technology is right now, it’s exciting to see a story that reminds people, especially kids about the joy of toys and creativity. I remember growing up and imagining my toys coming to life, and I think it would be really special for a new generation to experience that too.
Q: Why do you think Toy Story continues to resonate after all these years?
T: It’s just a classic. Every film has been amazing, and it connects across generations. People who grew up with Toy Story can now watch it with their kids and reconnect with their inner child. It’s a story that really brings everyone together
Q: What does it mean to you to be part of the Sub-Saharan version of Toy Story 5?
T: It makes it even more special. Knowing that people from where I’m from can see me in such a big, global film, it’s really exciting. I hope they hear a little South African touch in there too. It just means a lot to be able to represent where I come from in something like this.
Q: What do you hope South African audiences take away from hearing a local voice in a global film?
T: I hope it shows how limitless things are. To go from being a girl from South Africa to having my voice in a global film like Toy Story, it just shows that anything is possible. I hope it inspires people from Africa to dream bigger.
Q: Why should audiences go and watch Toy Story 5?
T: Because I’m in it! (laughs)
But also because the story is incredible. It’s really special, and I can’t wait to go watch it myself with my friends and family.
Q: What is your favourite Disney movie?
T: I honestly can’t choose. I grew up obsessed with Disney. But I recently watched Tangled again, so right now I’d say that one.
Q: Who is your favorite Disney character?
T: I’ve always loved Princess Jasmine, my mom’s maiden name is Jasmine so I used to be called Tyla Jasmine for a while, so I was like hmmmm…—I even used to feel like I was Princess Jasmine!
Q: As a singer, what is your favourite Disney song?
T: I love singing “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. I also love the song from Tangled, the lantern scene, and “Whistle While You Work” from Snow White. There are honestly so many – I can’t choose just one, I love them all.
Q: What do you hope to do next with Disney?
T: I’d love to have a main character role as a Disney character one day, whether that’s a princess or anything else. I’d be anything!
Book your tickets for Toy Story 5 now!
