Tyla becomes first African solo artist to hit 1 billion Spotify streams with hit song ‘Water’

By Shameeka Voyiya

Global streaming platform Spotify confirmed on Wednesday that Tyla has become the first African solo artist to hit one billion streams on the platform with her 2023 breakout smash hit ‘Water’.

This follows a string of other noteworthy achievements by the star, whose full name is Tyla Laura Seethal. 

She was awarded the inaugural best African music performance at the 2024 Grammys and picked up more awards at the Billboard Music Awards (top Afrobeats song) and MTV Video Music Awards (best Afrobeats video).

Incredibly proud

“We are incredibly proud of Tyla’s historic achievement,” said Phiona Okumu, head of music at Spotify in Africa, in a statement. 

“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, and we are honoured to have played a part in her journey.”

The South African star joins an even more exclusive group of African artists who have reached this milestone. 

On Tuesday, Spotify confirmed Tems was the first African female artist to hit one billion Spotify streams with Future’s ‘Wait for U’, also featuring Drake.

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British Vogue cover 

More recently the 23-year-old also went on the cover of British Vogue’s March 2025 edition. 

She also appeared in a cooking video for Vogue, showcasing her love for home-cooked South African cuisine with the country’s well-known meal, pap and boerewors.

British Vogue’s Head of Editorial Content, Chioma Nnadi, wrote that Tyla “represents a refreshing new direction in music”.

They hailed her as not just a music star but also a fashion icon.

Tyla went on the Jennifer Hudson Show and spoke about the British Vogue cover, with the host giving the audience a sneak peek.

When Hudson asked what it was like to be on the cover, Tyla said: “It’s literally insane. I’m so happy. I was so excited.”

She commented that she had fun with the Vogue team and photographer during the shoot and “didn’t want it to end”.

“We were trying on so many different outfits; we were having fun with it,” she said.

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