music, pan african, entertainment Tyla, Image: Supplied
South African sensation Tyla has officially etched her name in the history books, becoming the first African solo artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify with her global smash hit, Water.
This landmark achievement solidifies Tyla’s position as one of the most exciting new voices in music, further amplifying the ever-expanding global influence of African artists.
Her feat places her among an elite league of African musicians who have hit the billion-stream benchmark, joining the likes of Wizkid (via his feature on Drake’s One Dance), Rema (with Calm Down featuring Selena Gomez), and Tems (who achieved the milestone with her feature on Future’s Wait For U alongside Drake).
Originally released on 28 July 2023, Water quickly gained momentum after Tyla’s electric live performance at the Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali, Rwanda.
The song’s signature fusion of Amapiano and R&B, coupled with a viral dance challenge, catapulted it to global recognition.
The hit track went on to earn Tyla her first Grammy Award, bagging Best African Music Performance at the 66th Grammy Awards in February 2024—another historic win.
“We are incredibly proud of Tyla’s historic achievement,” says Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify in Africa.
“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 honoured to have played a part in her journey.”
18 July 2023 – Tyla previews Water at Spotify’s Greasy Tunes showcase in Johannesburg as part of RADAR Africa.
19 August 2023 – First live performance at Giants of Africa, igniting a viral TikTok dance challenge.
15 September 2023 – Water surpasses one million daily streams on Spotify for the first time.
26 October 2023 – The track crosses 100 million total streams on Spotify.
5 February 2024 – Tyla wins Best African Music Performance at the Grammy Awards, making history.
19 February 2025 – Water surpasses one billion streams, cementing Tyla’s status as a trailblazer.
Tyla’s groundbreaking success underscores the unstoppable rise of African music on the world stage.
Her journey has been championed by Spotify’s RADAR Africa and EQUAL Africa programs, which have played a crucial role in spotlighting emerging African talent and expanding their reach globally.
With a billion streams and counting, Tyla is proving that Water is more than just a hit song—it’s a cultural movement. And with the world watching, this is just the beginning of her remarkable ascent.
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