Singer Tyla’s ‘Water’ becomes 1st solo African song to hit 1 billion streams on Spotify

• Tyla’s global success with “Water” solidifies her position as one of Africa’s most influential stars, showcasing her unique blend of Amapiano and R&B.

South African artist Tyla has achieved a remarkable milestone as her hit single “Water” has exceeded 1 billion streams on Spotify, making her the first African solo artist to reach this landmark on the platform.

This accomplishment solidifies Tyla’s position as one of Africa’s most prominent global figures, following the widespread acclaim of “Water,” which is celebrated for its distinctive fusion of Amapiano and R&B.

This record-setting achievement follows closely on the heels of Nigerian artist Tems, who became the first female African artist to attain 1 billion streams on Spotify with her collaboration on “Wait For U” alongside Future and Drake.

In other news, Tems made an impressive appearance at the O2 Arena in London during the unveiling of Aston Martin’s livery for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

This event, part of the F1 75 Live celebration, was notable for being the first occasion on which all ten Formula 1 teams unveiled their liveries simultaneously, in honor of the sport’s 75th anniversary.

Tems captivated the audience with a live performance of her acclaimed song “Higher,” which added a distinctive musical dimension to the proceedings. Her soulful interpretation resonated deeply with attendees, enriching the festive ambiance of the evening.

The unveiling also included a presentation inspired by James Bond, featuring Aston Martin drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso making a striking entrance reminiscent of the legendary spy. The 2025 livery maintains the traditional racing green design, reflecting Aston Martin’s esteemed legacy in motorsport.

Tems’ participation in the event highlighted the intersection of music, culture, and high-performance sports, emphasizing Formula 1’s expanding appeal to audiences beyond conventional racing fans.