Tyla Makes History as Global Afrobeats Phenomenon

With Water rewriting the rulebook for Afrobeats success, Tyla is not just raising the bar—she’s setting a new standard for artists in the genre.

South African sensation Tyla has etched her name in music history, setting an unparalleled benchmark in the global Afrobeats scene. Her chart-topping hit Water has achieved an extraordinary milestone, becoming the first solo track to reign at No. 1 on the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart for a full year—52 consecutive weeks of domination that underscores her growing influence in the global music industry.

Released on July 28, 2023, Water steadily gained traction, first making waves on TikTok and peaking at No. 11 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50. It debuted on the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart at No. 37 in September 2023 before crossing over to the US Billboard Hot 100 at No. 67 the following month. The song’s infectious rhythm and viral dance challenge cemented its place in popular culture, earning Tyla accolades as an unstoppable force in Afrobeats.

Fans worldwide, affectionately known as “Tyla’s Tygers,” have taken to social media to celebrate the young star’s groundbreaking achievement. From congratulatory messages to memes immortalizing the Water dance challenge, the outpouring of support reflects Tyla’s resonance with audiences across continents. One fan tweeted, “For 52 weeks, no Afrobeats song could touch Water. Tyla is a game-changer.”

Adding to her winning streak, Tyla currently dominates the Billboard US Afrobeats Top 10 with six other tracks, including Truth or Dare at No. 3 and No 1 featuring Tems at No. 5. Her music showcases a versatile blend of Afrobeats, pop, and R&B influences, proving her ability to transcend genres while staying rooted in her South African heritage.

The global recognition hasn’t slowed Tyla down. She’s nominated for eight awards at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, further solidifying her status as an international superstar. Beyond the accolades, Tyla’s entrepreneurial spirit shines with the launch of the Stanley Tyla Tyger Quencher and her recent collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter on a Netflix holiday special.

Fans are eagerly anticipating her triumphant homecoming performances in South Africa. Tyla is set to take the stage at Cape Town’s GrandWest Grand Arena on December 5, followed by a show at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria on December 7. The concerts promise to be a celebration of her meteoric rise and a nod to her roots.