South African superstar Tyla has become the first African solo artist to surpass one billion Spotify streams with her global hit “Water.” The track, which blends Amapiano and R&B, has earned her a Grammy, topped charts worldwide, and cemented her status as a trailblazer in the global music scene.
BeatCurry Team
Tyla, the South African singer-songwriter, has etched her name in music history by becoming the first African solo artist to achieve one billion Spotify streams with her breakout hit “Water.” Released in July 2023, the track has captivated audiences worldwide, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best African Music Performance.
The song, which blends Amapiano rhythms with R&B influences, quickly gained traction after its release. It peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominated multiple charts, including U.S. Afrobeats Songs, World Digital Song Sales, and Rhythmic Airplay. Official remixes featuring Travis Scott and Marshmello further amplified its global reach, solidifying Tyla’s position as a rising star in the international music scene.
A Testament to Talent and Hard Work
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music in Africa, praised Tyla’s achievement, stating, “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.” The song’s journey to one billion streams is a reflection of its universal appeal and the growing influence of African music on the global stage.
Joining an Elite Club
Tyla now joins an exclusive group of African artists who have reached the one-billion-stream milestone. Nigerian stars Wizkid and Rema achieved the feat through collaborations, with Wizkid featured on Drake’s “One Dance” and Rema on “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez. Tems, another Nigerian artist, also reached the milestone with her feature on Future’s “Wait for U.” However, Tyla stands out as the first African solo artist to accomplish this independently.
The Rise of “Water”
“Water” was first previewed at Spotify’s Greasy Tunes showcase in Johannesburg in July 2023. Its official release was followed by a viral TikTok dance challenge sparked by Tyla’s performance at the Giants of Africa Festival in Rwanda. The track’s success continued to grow, surpassing one million daily streams on Spotify by September 2023 and reaching 100 million total streams by October 2023.
Award-Winning Success
The song’s impact extended beyond streaming numbers, earning Tyla accolades at the Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards. Her self-titled debut album, featuring collaborations with Tems, Skillibeng, and Gunna, further showcased her versatility and artistry, spending 15 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart.
A Global Phenomenon
Tyla’s success is a testament to the power of African music to resonate with audiences worldwide. Her achievements have not only broken barriers but also inspired a new generation of artists across the continent. As African music continues to gain global recognition, Tyla’s historic milestone with “Water” marks a pivotal moment in the industry’s evolution.
All information and images sourced from various sources purely for factual reporting purposes only. Got a story to share? Looking to get featured? Write to us at hello@beatcurry.com
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