Tyla Seethal, grammy award winning global star, has etched her name in music history by becoming the first African solo artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify with her infectious hit Water.

This remarkable milestone comes after she dominated Spotify’s Global Impact List 2025, solidifying her influence on the global music scene.

The song released on 28 July 2023, gained immense popularity after a captivating live performance at the Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali, Rwanda.

It was here that the music star sparked a viral dance challenge on TikTok, capturing hearts and airwaves across continents with the song's blend of Amapiano and R&B resonating deeply, making it a chart-topping sensation.

Following its explosive debut, the song quickly found its rhythm, astonishingly surpassing one million daily streams within weeks and crossing the 100 million total streams mark by October 26 2023.

Seethal’s vibrant sound and magnetic stage presence led to her first Grammy Award win for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Grammy Awards in February 2024, marking yet another high point in her illustrious career.

Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify in Africa, praised Seethal's journey, stating, “We are incredibly proud of Tyla’s historic achievement.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.”

Beyond the record-breaking streams, Sethal’s achievements highlight the collaborative spirit of the African music industry.

She also joins an elite group of artists, including Wizkid, Rema, and Tems, who have also reached this milestone through features, showcasing the collective strength and innovative talent emanating from the continent.

While Water stands out as her flagship single, Tyla's catalogue has been expanding with tracks like ‘Jump,’ featuring Gunna and Skillibeng, and other hits such as ART” and "Push 2 Start.

She has claimed an impressive eight of the top ten spots on Spotify’s Global Impact List.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed; she is also recognised as Spotify’s EQUAL Ambassador, which supports female artists globally with education and networking opportunities.

Seethal’s journey started with her preview of Water at Spotify’s Greasy Tunes showcase in Johannesburg, part of the RADAR Africa initiative designed to promote emerging talents.

Spotify explains that these programmes have been instrumental in boosting her visibility on the international stage, paving the way for a new generation of African artists eager to make their mark.

She recently showcased her vibrant personality and creativity through memorable moments this year, including a grand entrance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, where she danced through the spirit tunnel as the crew sang a special Water-inspired song.

Additionally, she made her glossy debut on the cover of British Vogue, appearing in a light-hearted cooking video making pap and wors.

anita.nkonki@inl.co.za

Saturday Star