In a significant shift on the global streaming charts, South African singer Tyla has claimed the top spot as the African artist with the highest number of monthly listeners on Spotify. The 22-year-old has overtaken Nigeria's heavyweights, Burna Boy and Tems, marking a new milestone in her rapidly ascending career.
From Viral Sensation to Chart Topper
Tyla, born Tyla Laura Seethal, first captured the world's attention in 2023 with her infectious single Water. The track became a viral phenomenon, especially on TikTok, propelling the Johannesburg-born artiste into the international spotlight. The song's success was not confined to social media; it charted in numerous countries and served as her global introduction.
This breakthrough was solidified in 2024 when Tyla won the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for Water, cementing her status as one of the continent's youngest Grammy recipients. Her momentum has been sustained by subsequent releases like Kick to Start, Truth or Dare, and Channel, which have continuously attracted new listeners across diverse markets.
A Growing Trophy Cabinet and Global Influence
Beyond the Grammys, Tyla's talent has been recognized across major award platforms. She has secured wins at the MTV Video Music Awards, BET Awards, and the MTV Europe Music Awards. This growing list of accolades underscores her impact as a rising pop culture figure and one of Africa's most influential young exports.
By surpassing Burna Boy—a dominant, Grammy-winning force—and Tems, who has achieved massive international success through collaborations and solo work, Tyla joins an elite group of African artists commanding a massive, consistent global audience. Her achievement on Spotify is a clear metric of her widening appeal.
What This Means for African Music
Tyla's rise to the pinnacle of Spotify's African listeners chart highlights the dynamic and competitive nature of the continent's music scene. It demonstrates how viral trends and cross-platform promotion can catapult an artist to unprecedented heights in a short period.
As fans eagerly look toward 2026, anticipation is building for more music releases, potential tours, and high-profile collaborations from Tyla. Her journey from a viral hit to chart-topping streaming dominance is a testament to the evolving pathways to success in the modern music industry.
