Rising singer, KLA (pronounced “Kayla”) has made her long-awaited return to music with the release of her new single, “In My Way,” out now across all major streaming platforms. The track—a fierce anthem of self- empowerment and resilience—marks her first major musical release since her debut “Nobody’s Looking” featuring Patty Monroe.
“This song is about owning your power, no matter what stands in your way,” says KLA. “‘Nobody’s Looking’ introduced me to the world, but ‘In My Way’ is my reintroduction—stronger, bolder, and completely on my own terms.”
KLA first captivated audiences with her 2019 debut, followed by a meteoric rise as a content creator, model, and Miss SA Top 35 finalist (2020). Now, she merges her digital savvy with her musical roots, crafting a sound inspired by global icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Kehlani, while staying rooted in African authenticity.
With its anthemic energy and viral-ready hooks, “In My Way” is primed to be a favourite.
Kayla Neilson-better known as KLA (pronounced “Kayla”) is a Johannesburg-based musical sensation who blends pop, R&B, soul and African rhythms into a captivating global sound. With a powerful voice and evocative lyrics, she aspires to become a defining voice for a new generation of artists.
Starting her journey at age 12 with school shows and TV auditions, KLA launched her professional career with her first chart-topping single, “Nobody’s Looking”. She is following that with her new single “In My Way” a compelling anthem about self-discovery and navigating life’s challenges through love. Known for her rich emotional depth and authenticity, KLA crafts songs that unpack personal, yet universally relatable experiences.
Beyond music, KLA is also involved in marketing, commercial modeling and content creation, having reached the Miss SA Top 35 in 2020. Influenced by Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Kehlani, KLA continues to craft relatable and authentic content across her platforms.