Tyla Makes History as First African Solo Artist to Surpass One Billion Spotify Streams with “Water”
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 achieve this milestone. This historic achievement cements Tyla’s status as one of the most influential new voices in music and highlights the growing global impact of African artists.
This milestone places Tyla in an exclusive league of African artists who have crossed the billion-stream mark on Spotify. She joins Wizkid, who reached this milestone through his feature on Drake’s “One Dance,” Rema, whose collaboration with Selena Gomez on “Calm Down” hit the mark, and Tems, who achieved it with her feature on Future’s “Wait For U” alongside Drake.
The Rise of “Water”
Originally released on 28 July 2023, “Water” gained traction after Tyla performed it live at the Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali, Rwanda, where a viral dance challenge took off. The song, which blends Amapiano and R&B, quickly 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.
“We are incredibly proud of Tyla’s historic achievement,” said 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 beyond, and we are honored to have played a part in her journey.”
The Journey to One Billion Streams
• 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, 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, making history.
• 19 February 2025 – “Water” surpasses one billion streams, making Tyla the first African solo artist to reach this milestone.
The Global Impact of Tyla’s Success
Tyla’s meteoric rise reflects the increasing influence of African music on the global stage. Her journey has been supported by Spotify’s RADAR Africa and EQUAL Africa programs, which amplify emerging African artists, providing them with global exposure and industry support.
With over one billion streams and counting, Tyla’s rise is only just beginning. “Water” is more than just a song—it’s a cultural movement, inspiring a new generation of African artists to dream big and reach global audiences.
Top 5 Countries Streaming Water in the Last 28 Days
1. 🇺🇸 United States
2. 🇮🇩 Indonesia
3. 🇧🇷 Brazil
4. 🇵🇭 Philippines
5. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
