African music continues to break barriers on the global stage, and this week marks a major milestone as two African artists join Spotify’s prestigious Billions Club. Nigerian singer Tems and South African star Tyla have officially crossed the one-billion-streams mark, reinforcing the growing influence of African music worldwide.

Tems secured her place on the list through her feature on “WAIT FOR U,” the chart-topping hit by American rapper Future, which also includes Canadian superstar Drake. The song, built around a haunting sample of Tems’ track “Higher,” debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and has remained a fan favorite since its release.

Meanwhile, Tyla made history by becoming the first African artist to achieve the milestone with a solo song. Her 2023 breakout hit, “Water,” captivated audiences across the globe, earning a peak spot in the Billboard Hot 100’s top ten and dominating the U.S. Afrobeats chart for a staggering 55 weeks. The song’s infectious beat and dance challenge fueled its viral success, further cementing its place in contemporary music culture.

The inclusion of Tems and Tyla in Spotify’s Billions Club is a testament to the evolving reach of African music, particularly genres like Afrobeats and amapiano. Streaming platforms have played a pivotal role in amplifying these sounds, with Spotify curating specialized playlists and expanding its presence across the continent.

African music’s ascent in global streaming can be traced back to pivotal moments like Wizkid’s feature on Drake’s 2016 smash hit “One Dance.” The track, which dabbled in Afrobeats elements, was the first to surpass one billion streams on Spotify, subtly paving the way for greater African representation in mainstream pop music. However, it took several years before an African-led song, Rema’s “Calm Down” remix featuring Selena Gomez, reached the milestone in 2023.

With over 887 songs currently in Spotify’s Billions Club, the achievement remains a rare feat, highlighting just how difficult it is for any track to reach such astronomical streaming numbers. The playlist features a mix of modern hits and timeless classics, from The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” to Toto’s “Africa,” proving that music with mass appeal transcends eras and genres.

Notably, while some billion-stream songs rely on chart success, others have taken an unconventional route, gaining traction through cult followings and viral moments. For Tyla’s “Water,” the song’s explosive popularity was largely organic, driven by social media trends rather than a high-profile remix. Though a version featuring American rapper Travis Scott was later released, it’s the original that secured its spot in the billion-streams club.

African Women Taking the Lead

This week’s historic moment is particularly special as it sees two African women breaking records on one of the world’s biggest streaming platforms. Tems, who has already established herself as a global star through collaborations with Drake, Future, and Beyoncé, continues to blaze trails for African artists in international music spaces. Meanwhile, Tyla’s rapid ascent signals the growing appetite for African pop beyond the continent’s borders.