Tyla makes history with 1 billion streams.

Tyla is the first African solo artist to have a single stream surpassing one billion on Spotify. 

The South African singer-songwriter achieved this milestone with her global hit “Water.” 

This historic moment cements Tyla’s status as one of the most influential new voices in music and highlights the growing global impact of African artists.

This achievement places Tyla in an exclusive group of African artists who have reached the billion-stream mark on Spotify. 

This group includes Wizkid, who achieved this feat through his collaboration with Drake on “One Dance,” Rema, whose collaboration with Selena Gomez on “Calm Down” also crossed the billion-stream threshold, and Tems, who accomplished this with her feature on “Wait For U” by Future, featuring Drake.

“Water,” originally released on July 28, 2023, quickly gained momentum after Tyla performed it live at the Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali, Rwanda, where a viral dance challenge was born.

Blending Amapiano and R&B, the track resonated with audiences worldwide, climbing the charts and earning Tyla her first Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Grammy Awards in February 2024.

In a statement, Phiona Okumu, head of music at the streaming platform, said, “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.”

 

Tyla’s success reflects the growing influence of African music on the global stage. With a billion streams and counting, her rise is only just beginning. 

“Water” is more than just a song; it’s a movement that inspires a new generation of African artists to dream big and reach global audiences.

Tyla Laura Seethal, known mononymously as Tyla, was born on January 30, 2002. She is a South African singer whose musical style combines pop and Amapiano, leading many publications to dub her the “Queen of Popiano.” 

Born and raised in Johannesburg, Tyla signed with Epic Records in 2021 following the domestic success of her 2019 debut single, “Getting Late.” 

She gained international recognition with the release of her 2023 single “Water,” which entered the top ten in multiple countries, including her native South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

 “Water” became the first song by a South African solo artist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years and earned her the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance. 

The single preceded her self-titled debut album, released in 2024 to critical acclaim and moderate commercial success, entering the top 25 in various countries, including the United States.

Tyla is the youngest African artist in history to win a Grammy Award. Her other accolades include an MTV Video Music Award, two BET Awards, three MTV Europe Music Awards, and the honorary Global Force Award at the first Billboard R&B’s No. 1’s. 

She has also received nominations for a Brit Award, an Ivor Novello Award, a Soul Train Music Award, and nine South African Music Awards.

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