Spotify’s Billions Club is an exclusive group of artists whose songs have surpassed one billion streams on the platform. Among them, only a select few African artists have achieved this milestone, marking a significant moment for the continent’s growing global influence in music.
From Wizkid and Tems collaborating with Drake to Rema and Tyla making history with solo hits, African artists continue to break barriers in the streaming era. Below is a rundown of African artists who have entered Spotify’s Billions Club, listed in order of when they achieved the feat.
Wizkid – “One Dance” (with Drake & Kyla)
Wizkid became the first African artist to enter Spotify’s Billions Club when Drake’s 2016 hit “One Dance”, featuring the Nigerian superstar and UK singer Kyla, became the first song ever to surpass one billion streams on the platform.
• Spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
• Held the No. 1 spot on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for 18 weeks
• Appeared on Drake’s Grammy-nominated album Views
Rema – “Calm Down” (Remix with Selena Gomez)
In September 2023, Rema’s “Calm Down” remix featuring Selena Gomez became the first African-led song to hit one billion streams on Spotify.
• Peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100
• Held the top spot on U.S. Afrobeats Songs for a record-breaking 59 weeks
• Won Best Afrobeats Award at the 2024 MTV VMAs and Billboard Music Awards
The track was originally featured on Rema’s 2022 debut album Rave & Roses, with the Selena Gomez remix included in the 2023 deluxe edition (Rave & Roses Ultra).
Tems – “Wait for U” (with Future & Drake)
In February 2024, Tems made history as the first African female artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. This milestone came from Future’s 2022 hit “Wait for U”, which features Drake and samples Tems’ song “Higher” from her 2020 EP For Broken Ears.
• Reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
• Topped Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Rhythmic Airplay
• Won Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 2023 Grammy Awards
Tyla – “Water”
A few days after Tems’ achievement, Tyla became the first African solo artist to reach one billion Spotify streams with her 2023 breakout hit “Water” from her 2024 self-titled debut album.
• Peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100
• Topped U.S. Afrobeats Songs for 55 weeks
• Won Best African Music Performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards
Additionally, “Water” picked up more awards, including:
• Top Afrobeats Song at the Billboard Music Awards
• Best Afrobeats Video at the MTV Video Music Awards
African Music’s Global Rise
The inclusion of African artists in Spotify’s Billions Club highlights the genre’s growing international appeal. Whether through Afrobeats, Amapiano, or collaborations with global superstars, African musicians are making an undeniable impact on the world stage.
As streaming platforms continue to break geographical barriers, more African artists are expected to join the billion-stream club, further cementing the continent’s influence in the music industry.
