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Tyla becomes first African solo artist to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify with ‘Water’
South African singer Tyla has made history by becoming the first African solo artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify with her global hit, “Water.”
This remarkable feat places her among an elite group of African artists who have crossed the billion-stream mark on the platform.
She joins Wizkid, who achieved the milestone with his feature on Drake’s ‘One Dance,’ Rema, whose collaboration with Selena Gomez on ‘Calm Down’ reached the landmark, and Tems, who accomplished the same with her feature on Future’s “Wait For U” alongside Drake.
However, Tyla stands out as the first African solo act to reach this milestone without a collaboration.
Since its release on July 28, 2023, ‘Water‘ has grown into an international sensation, propelled by its infectious blend of Amapiano and R&B.
The song gained further traction after Tyla’s electrifying performance at the Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali, Rwanda, where a viral TikTok dance challenge helped skyrocket its popularity.
The track’s success continued as it dominated streaming and radio charts, ultimately earning Tyla her first Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Grammy Awards in February 2024.
Reacting to the achievement, Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify in Africa, lauded Tyla’s accomplishment, calling it a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication.
She emphasized that the milestone reflects the growing influence of African music worldwide and serves as an inspiration for emerging artists across the continent.
Tyla’s groundbreaking success highlights the unstoppable rise of African artists on the global music scene, further cementing the continent’s place in shaping contemporary sound.
Tyla becomes the first African artist to have a solo song earn 1 billion streams on Spotify (“Water”). pic.twitter.com/96y5mmot61
— chart data (@chartdata) February 18, 2025