South African singer Tyla has made history by becoming the first African solo artist to achieve over one billion streams on Spotify with her popular song, Water.

Tyla joins an elite group of African artists by achieving the milestone of a billion streams on Spotify with Water, alongside others who have also reached this mark, including Wizkid, who achieved it with his feature on Drake’s song One Dance, Rema, whose collaboration with Selena Gomez on Calm Down also achieved this feat, and Tems, who accomplished the same with her feature on Future’s Wait For U alongside Drake.

Released on July 28, 2023, the song Water rapidly gained popularity and achieved global recognition. The song’s popularity surged after Tyla performed it live at the Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali, Rwanda, which was followed by a viral TikTok dance challenge. The track’s fusion of Amapiano and R&B styles garnered a global following, resulting in its ascent up both streaming and radio charts. Tyla’s influence was reinforced when she received her first Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Grammy Awards in February 2024.

Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify in Africa, commended Tyla’s remarkable achievement, highlighting its importance. This pivotal moment in history demonstrated Tyla’s outstanding aptitude, unwavering dedication, and the capacity of music to transcend divisions. Tyla’s accomplishments have motivated young musicians not just in Africa but globally, and Spotify feels privileged to have played a role in her remarkable success.

Tyla’s remarkable accomplishment highlights the growing impact of African music worldwide.

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