South African singer, Tyla has become the first African solo artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify with her hit track, Water. Released on July 28, 2023, Water has since resonated worldwide, blending Amapiano rhythms with smooth R&B vibes, and capturing the attention of millions across various platforms.
Tyla’s journey to this historic milestone was accelerated after a memorable live performance at the Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali, Rwanda, which sparked a viral TikTok dance challenge. As Water climbed up the global charts, Tyla’s star power only grew. Her success was further cemented when she won her first Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in February 2024, making her one of the most exciting artists in contemporary African music.
This achievement places Tyla among a select group of African artists who have reached the billion-stream mark, joining the ranks of global superstars like Wizkid, who reached the milestone with his feature on Drake’s One Dance, Rema, whose collaboration with Selena Gomez on Calm Down achieved the feat, and Tems, who accomplished the same with her feature on Future’s Wait For U alongside Drake. Spotify’s Head of Music in Africa, Phiona Okumu, lauded Tyla’s relentless drive and the global appeal of African music, emphasizing that her success is a testament to her immense talent and hard work.
With Water continuing to make waves across the music industry, Tyla’s historic achievement highlights the growing influence of African music on the global stage, paving the way for more African artists to break barriers and set new records.
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