South African singer Tyla has made history as the first African solo artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify with her global hit Water.
She now joins an elite group of African artists who have reached this milestone, including Wizkid (One Dance with Drake), Rema (Calm Down with Selena Gomez), and Tems (Wait For U by Future featuring Drake). However, what sets Tyla apart is that she achieved this remarkable feat as a solo artist.
A Viral Hit with Global Impact
Released on July 28, 2023, Water gained massive traction after Tyla’s performance at the Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali, where a viral dance challenge skyrocketed its popularity.
The song’s unique blend of Amapiano and R&B helped it dominate the charts, ultimately earning Tyla her first Grammy for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Grammy Awards in 2024.
Spotify Celebrates Tyla’s Achievement
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music in Africa, praised Tyla for her groundbreaking success:
“We are incredibly proud of Tyla’s historic achievement. This milestone is a testament to her talent, hard work, and the power of music to transcend borders. Tyla’s success is an inspiration to aspiring artists across Africa and the world, and we are honored to have played a part in her journey.”
With this record-breaking achievement, Tyla continues to cement her place as one of Africa’s biggest musical stars, paving the way for future generations of artists.
