South African music sensation Tyla is adding another international achievement to her growing list of accomplishments after officially joining the cast of Toy Story 5.
The Grammy Award-winning star will make her Disney voice-acting debut as “Inflatable Flamingo”, a brand-new character created specifically for the Sub-Saharan African version of the film. The announcement marks another significant step in Tyla’s rise from local star to global entertainment powerhouse.
Speaking about the opportunity, Tyla said she was overwhelmed when she received the offer to become part of one of the world’s most beloved animated franchises.
“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,” she said.
The singer revealed that the Toy Story films played a major role in her childhood and remain a favourite within her family.
“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.”
According to Disney and Pixar, Inflatable Flamingo is a playful and comedic pool toy who joins Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang on their latest adventure. The character appears in a region-specific version of the film created for audiences across Sub-Saharan Africa, giving local viewers the opportunity to hear an African voice within the iconic franchise.
Tyla joins a star-studded cast that includes Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Greta Lee, Conan O’Brien and Bad Bunny, among others.
Directed by Andrew Stanton, the fifth instalment of the franchise explores a modern challenge facing children’s toys as technology increasingly competes for attention. The storyline, described as “Toy Meets Tech”, sees Woody, Buzz and their friends confronting a world where digital devices are beginning to replace traditional play.
For Tyla, the role represents more than just another career milestone. It also gives African audiences a chance to hear local representation in one of animation’s most successful franchises.
“Toy Story has been such a special part of my childhood, so being part of this film is a full-circle moment for me,” Tyla said. “It means so much to know that African viewers will hear an African voice bringing one of these beloved characters to life.”
Toy Story 5 is scheduled to arrive in cinemas across South Africa and the rest of the world on 19 June 2026.