South African pop sensation Tyla continues to shatter records and redefine boundaries in African music. The 23-year-old star, best known for her global hit “Water,” has officially overtaken Nigerian heavyweights Ayra Starr and Tems to become the most-streamed female artist in Nigeria, according to Spotify Nigeria’s latest chart update shared by @Pop_BaseNews on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
This milestone marks a historic moment for Tyla, making her the first South African woman ever to hold this title in Nigeria — a country widely regarded as the heartbeat of Afrobeats and African pop culture. Her rise to the top of Nigeria’s streaming charts highlights her growing influence across the continent and beyond.
Since the release of “Water” in 2023, Tyla’s career has been on an unstoppable trajectory. The song became a viral global anthem, topping charts from Johannesburg to New York and earning her a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance. Tyla’s unique fusion of pop, R&B, and amapiano has helped her carve out a signature sound that resonates with both African and international audiences.
Despite being an outsider in Nigeria’s highly competitive music scene, Tyla’s consistent streaming numbers demonstrate her broad appeal. Her success is a testament to the increasingly borderless nature of African music, where sound, rhythm, and storytelling transcend geography.
However, the announcement sparked mixed reactions online. While many fans celebrated her achievement and hailed it as a win for African unity, others expressed disbelief that she had outperformed two of Nigeria’s most beloved stars — Ayra Starr and Tems, both of whom have global hits and massive fan bases.
As Tyla continues to dominate streaming platforms, she shows no signs of slowing down. With a world tour, brand partnerships, and a new album reportedly in the works, her reign as one of Africa’s most influential female artists seems only to be growing stronger.
From Johannesburg to Lagos, Tyla’s success is more than just a streaming victory — it’s a symbol of how African music continues to unite the continent and inspire a new generation of global stars.
Tyla is now the most streamed female act on Spotify in Nigeria.
She surpasses Tems and Ayra Starr. pic.twitter.com/t8QjUFOPHz
— Pop Base News (@Pop_BaseNews) October 29, 2025