Who is Chelsea Sloan? The South African DJ who turned heads at Tyla’s birthday party

Chelsea Sloan (born Chelsea-Sloan Samuels) made waves in Los Angeles during Grammy week 2026 when she performed at Tyla’s “After Dark” birthday party. 

Sharing the moment on Instagram, she wrote, “South Africa linking up & taking over. DJ’d at Tyla’s: TYLA After Dark birthday party while in LA for Grammy week. Shout out to @tyla for the time had, AND CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SECOND GRAMMY,” alongside a picture of the two together.

From Hanover Park on the Cape Flats, Sloan’s journey to the international stage is as diverse as it is compelling. She has maintained a long-standing connection with Tyla, having danced in the singer’s very first music video. 

Her path to music was preceded by years of dance and performance. She began showing her moves to the local community at just three years old and later became part of Basic Black, a dance team that won the World Championship twice consecutively.

She has also performed alongside other major artists, including Uncle Waffles.

Sloan’s music style is rooted in Amapiano but draws freely from afrobeat, hip hop, R&B and dancehall. Her performances combine energy, rhythm and a deep understanding of the crowd, reflecting a creative background shaped by years of movement and rhythm.

Before fully pursuing music, Sloan explored athletics and science. She was a track and field sprinter and studied medicine on a bursary, later qualifying as a physiotherapist. 

Her shift from medicine and sports to DJing marked a turning point in her personal and professional life. Sloan has spoken openly about how DJing became a tool for healing and emotional recovery. 

“After traumas and losses of siblings, relationships and mental health tanking, DJ’ing saved me and continues to do so. It’s so evident in this video,” she shared in a reflection on her journey.

Her rise to international recognition accelerated this year. Beyond Tyla’s birthday celebration, Sloan attended exclusive Grammy week events as a global ambassador for Johnnie Walker, representing South African culture and music to a global audience.

Sloan has also received recognition at home. Local media and the Western Cape Government have acknowledged her contributions to the Cape Flats and her role in inspiring local youth. 

In music, she has featured on tracks such as “Smooth Criminal” with Costa Titch, “GOLIATH” with Umthakathi Kush and “Disaster”, featured on Piano Verse, Vol. 1 - EP. 

Each release builds on her reputation as an artist capable of blending genres and connecting with audiences both locally and internationally.