South Africa’s own Tyla is taking another bold step onto the global stage — this time trading chart-topping hits for animated magic as she joins the cast of Disney and Pixar’s highly anticipated Toy Story 5.
The Grammy-winning sensation, widely regarded as Mzansi’s pop princess, has officially been announced as part of the beloved franchise’s newest instalment. In a move that further cements her growing international influence, Tyla will voice a brand-new character created exclusively for the Sub-Saharan localised version of the film.
Her character? An Inflatable Flamingo.
The playful pool toy will make its debut in the fifth chapter of the iconic series, adding fresh energy to a franchise that has entertained families for nearly three decades. For Tyla, the opportunity marks not just a career milestone, but a deeply personal moment.
In a video announcement, the star shared her delight at joining the Pixar universe.
She wysed: “When I was asked to join the cast of Toy Story 5, I was so excited. I just couldn’t believe that the offer was even presented to me.
“I grew up watching Toy Story. It’s such a big movie in my family; my parents love it – my whole family loves it.
“And now we're gonna watch and hear a little bit of my voice in it"
Her words capture the significance of the moment — not only for Tyla herself, but for South African fans who have watched her meteoric rise with pride. From viral global hits to Grammy success, and now to Hollywood voice acting, she continues to carry the country’s colours onto some of the world’s biggest platforms.
In Toy Story 5, the Inflatable Flamingo is described as a playful and comedic pool toy who unexpectedly becomes part of the gang’s latest adventure. As Woody, Buzz and Jessie confront a rapidly evolving world where technology competes with traditional play, the Flamingo will find itself swept up in the chaos.
The film’s broader storyline, titled “Toy Meets Tech”, explores how beloved characters adapt in a world increasingly dominated by digital devices. It is a theme that resonates strongly in an era where tablets and screens often replace action figures and dolls in children’s hands.
Tyla’s character is expected to inject humour and warmth into the storyline, while bringing a distinctly South African cultural flair to the Sub-Saharan version of the film. Her involvement positions her among a select group of African artists who have successfully bridged the worlds of global pop music and major family animation franchises.
She joins a star-studded voice cast packed with both returning favourites and exciting new additions.
Legendary actors Tom Hanks returns as Woody, Tim Allen reprises his role as Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack voices Jessie, and Annie Potts returns as Bo Peep. New cast members include Greta Lee as Lilypad, Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom, Conan O’Brien as Smarty Pants, and Craig Robinson as Atlas.
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Music powerhouse Bad Bunny joins the franchise as Pizza with Sunglasses, while Taylor Swift contributes an original song to the soundtrack — a collaboration that is already fuelling anticipation among fans of both music and animation.
The film is directed by Andrew Stanton, a veteran of the Pixar universe known for shaping some of the studio’s most celebrated projects. Under his guidance, Toy Story 5 promises to balance nostalgia with contemporary relevance, keeping long-time fans engaged while introducing fresh characters and story arcs.
For Tyla, stepping into voice acting signals a natural expansion of her creative portfolio. While she has conquered global music charts and secured Grammy recognition, Hollywood animation offers a different kind of stage — one that reaches across generations and continents.
Her inclusion in a localised Sub-Saharan version of the film is also significant. It reflects a growing recognition of African audiences and talent within major global entertainment franchises. Representation in mainstream animation has long been a talking point, and Tyla’s casting signals a deliberate effort to embrace regional voices and perspectives.
As excitement builds ahead of the film’s release, South Africans are likely to feel a sense of shared achievement. Seeing one of their own woven into the fabric of such a treasured international franchise underscores the expanding footprint of local talent in global spaces.
Toy Story 5 is set for release on 19 June 2026, with audiences worldwide preparing to reunite with Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang — and to meet a Flamingo with a South African accent.
For Tyla, the journey from Johannesburg to Hollywood animation is yet another chapter in a career that shows no signs of slowing down. And when cinema lights dim next June, families across Mzansi will be listening closely — waiting to hear a familiar voice float through Pixar’s latest adventure.
