South African sensation Tyla has achieved a historic milestone with the release of her self-titled debut album, entering the Billboard 200 at No. 24 and becoming the highest-charting female African soloist in history.
In its first week, the album earned approximately 24,000 album-equivalent units, including over 3,000 pure sales, alongside impressive streaming numbers exceeding 26 million in the United States alone. These figures not only mark a breakthrough moment for the artist but also underscore the growing global appetite for African music.
The project’s success follows the viral domination of her Grammy-winning single “Water”, which propelled Tyla into international stardom and cemented her as a crossover force in the Afrobeats and amapiano-inspired space. Her fusion of sultry R&B vocals with African rhythms has resonated with audiences worldwide, earning her critical acclaim and a rapidly expanding fan base.
Tyla’s achievement comes at a time when African artists are gaining unprecedented visibility on the world stage. By securing over 3,000 pure sales—a challenging feat in today’s streaming-driven industry—she has demonstrated both commercial appeal and a strong, loyal listener base willing to support her music directly.
With this debut, Tyla has proven she is not just a viral success but a chart contender with staying power. As her profile continues to rise, her Billboard accomplishment stands as a landmark moment for African music’s presence in the global pop landscape.