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Tyla Takes Africa and the World by Storm on Spotify, Emerges as Africa’s Spotify Leader, Beats Burna Boy and Tems
South African pop sensation Tyla has reached a new career high, emerging as the African artist with the most monthly listeners on Spotify, edging past Nigerian heavyweights Burna Boy and Tems in the process.
At just 22, the Johannesburg-born star, Tyla Laura Seethal, has become Africa’s most-followed act on the streaming platform, a clear sign of how rapidly her sound has travelled beyond the continent and into the global mainstream.
Tyla’s breakthrough moment arrived in 2023 with “Water,” a song that took on a life of its own online. Powered by viral dance trends on TikTok and other social platforms, the track crossed borders with ease, climbing charts in multiple countries and introducing her to a worldwide audience almost overnight.
That success proved to be the turning point that propelled her from a rising act to a global pop contender.
Rather than fade after her breakout hit, Tyla maintained the momentum with releases like “Kick to Start,” “Truth or Dare,” and “Channel,” steadily expanding her reach and drawing in new listeners from around the world.
Tyla has broken Rema’s record for the Most Spotify Monthly Listeners for an African Artist Ever with 40.7 million. pic.twitter.com/uamlMDgpYc
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) December 22, 2025
Her growing influence was cemented in 2024 when she won the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance with Water, making her one of the youngest African artists ever to take home the prestigious prize. The accolades didn’t stop there.
Tyla has also picked up honours from the BET Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and the MTV Europe Music Awards, recognition that reflects both her musical success and her impact as a new global pop force.
By overtaking Burna Boy and Tems in monthly Spotify listeners, Tyla now sits in rare company among African artists whose music consistently commands massive international attention.
While Burna Boy remains a dominant Grammy-winning figure and Tems continues to shine through major collaborations and solo work, Tyla’s rise highlights a new wave of African pop crossing over at record speed.
With her fan base still growing and 2026 on the horizon, listeners around the world are watching closely, eager for what’s next, whether that’s new music, global tours, or high-profile collaborations.