South African singer-songwriter Tyla has officially surpassed one billion streams on Spotify with her global hit “Water,” making her the first African solo artist to reach this monumental milestone. This historic achievement not only marks a significant moment in Tyla’s career but also underscores the growing global influence of African artists in the music industry.
Tyla joins an exclusive group of African artists who have achieved the billion-stream mark on Spotify. Previous artists who have reached this remarkable feat include Wizkid, through his collaboration with Drake on “One Dance,” Rema, whose track “Calm Down” with Selena Gomez crossed the billion-stream threshold, and Tems, whose feature on “Wait For U” by Future (also featuring Drake) achieved the same milestone.
Originally released on July 28, 2023, “Water” quickly garnered attention, especially after Tyla’s live performance at the Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali, Rwanda, where a viral dance challenge was born. The track, blending Amapiano and R&B, resonated with audiences worldwide, climbing the charts and ultimately earning Tyla her first Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Grammy Awards in February 2024.
Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify Africa, expressed pride in Tyla’s achievement: “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 honoured to have played a part in her journey.”
The Journey to One Billion Streams
Tyla’s rise to the billion-stream mark was fast and steady, with significant milestones along the way:
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 the Giants of Africa Festival, sparking 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.
19 February 2025 – “Water” surpasses one billion streams, making Tyla the first African solo artist to reach this milestone.
Tyla’s success story is an inspiring example of how African artists are now influencing the global music scene, and “Water” has become more than just a song—it’s a movement. The track has inspired not only music lovers worldwide but also a new generation of African artists, encouraging them to dream big and reach global audiences.
Spotify has played a vital role in supporting Tyla’s rise through their RADAR Africa and EQUAL Africa programs, which aim to amplify emerging African artists by providing them with global exposure and industry support.
The Global Reach of “Water”
Tyla’s success on Spotify has resonated across the globe, and the track is being streamed heavily in countries such as:
United States
Indonesia
Brazil
Philippines
United Kingdom
These countries are among the top streamers of “Water” in the last 28 days, showing just how far the reach of African music has extended.
With “Water” surpassing one billion streams and counting, Tyla’s rise is only just beginning. This achievement cements her position as one of the most influential new voices in music, and her journey will surely inspire many more artists across the continent.
A New Era for African Music
Tyla’s incredible achievement is not just a personal milestone—it marks the growing influence of African music on the global stage. As more African artists continue to gain recognition, the world is beginning to take note of the vibrant, innovative sounds that come from the continent.
Tyla’s journey is a powerful reminder that the global music scene is changing, and African artists are at the forefront of this revolution. “Water” is just the beginning, and Tyla’s success paves the way for even greater accomplishments in the future.
