South African superstar Tyla has officially been named the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Artist of the Year for 2025. This historic achievement marks the first time an artist has defended the top spot for two consecutive years, having also led the year-end rankings in 2024.
Tyla’s dominance was fueled by a record-breaking year on the charts, including 11 distinct entries. Her global hit “Water” remained a powerhouse, becoming the first solo track to spend an entire year on the weekly charts, while her 2025 releases like “Push 2 Start,” “Chanel,” and the Wizkid-collaboration “Dynamite” solidified her position.
The 2025 list highlights the expanding reach of the genre beyond West Africa, though Nigerian powerhouses continue to command the majority of the top spots.
