South African superstar Tyla has just joined the prestigious “Billions Club” on Spotify, making history as the only solo African artist to achieve this incredible feat. Her hit single Water recently crossed one billion streams on the platform, a major milestone that was celebrated on Wednesday night (local time).
The 23-year-old Grammy winner’s success with Water is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the global reach of African music. While other African artists, like Nigerian megastars Wizkid, Rema, and Tems, have made their way into the “Billions Club” through collaborations, Tyla stands out as the first solo African artist to reach this milestone.
Phiona Okumu, head of music at Spotify in Africa, praised Tyla’s remarkable accomplishment. “We are incredibly proud of Tyla’s historic achievement,” Okumu said. “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 honored to have played a part in her journey.”
Tyla’s hit song Water was officially released on July 28, 2023, and it quickly became a sensation. It was the lead single from her debut self-titled album, which followed a month after she graced the cover of SMag. By mid-September, Water had already achieved one million daily streams on Spotify, and by October, it had reached 100 million streams.
In the past 28 days, Water has been especially popular in countries like the US, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, and the UK, proving Tyla’s international appeal.
Spotify even celebrated the news on their Instagram, saying, “Tyla’s Water is the newest member of the BILLIONS CLUB. Thanks to all the fans.”
With this historic achievement, Tyla is truly making her mark on the global music scene.
