Tyla has once again made history on Billboard's U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. Her latest single, "Is It Love," vaults from No. 25 to the No. 1 spot on the chart dated July 4, marking her fourth career leader on the tally. This achievement extends her record as the artist with the most No. 1s since the chart launched in April 2022.

The track, released via FAX Records and Epic Records, is a fusion of Afrobeats, pop, and R&B elements that has quickly captured listeners' attention. In its first full tracking week (June 19-25), "Is It Love" earned 2 million official streams in the United States, according to Luminate, with minimal sales activity. The song's streaming dominance propelled it to the top of the multimetric chart, which combines streaming, download, and radio airplay data.

Tyla's Historic Run on the Afrobeats Chart

Tyla's journey on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart began with her breakthrough hit "Water," which spent an unprecedented 55 weeks at No. 1 during 2023 and 2024. That track became a global phenomenon, earning platinum certifications in multiple countries and introducing Tyla to a mainstream audience. She followed with "Push 2 Start," a 20-week champion in 2024-2025, and then "Chanel," which ruled for 24 weeks in 2025-2026. Each single showcased Tyla's ability to blend Afrobeats rhythms with catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, appealing to both African diaspora listeners and global pop fans.

With "Is It Love" becoming her fourth No. 1, Tyla now holds a commanding lead over other artists on the chart. The only other act with more than one leader is Tems, who has two No. 1s. No other artist has reached the summit more than once, underscoring Tyla's unique consistency and popularity within the genre.

The Making of "Is It Love" and Its Chart Impact

"Is It Love" is an upbeat track that explores the uncertainty and excitement of new romance. Produced with a minimal yet infectious beat, the song allows Tyla's vocals to shine. The lyrics question whether a budding connection is real or just a fleeting moment, a theme that resonates with many young listeners. Its quick ascent from No. 25 to the top spot suggests strong word-of-mouth and streaming playlist support.

Beyond the Afrobeats chart, "Is It Love" also debuts at No. 18 on the Hot R&B Songs chart, becoming Tyla's tenth appearance on that multi-metric list. Additionally, the single enters the U.K.'s Official Afrobeats Chart at No. 3, indicating its appeal across international markets. These placements highlight Tyla's growing cross-genre influence, as she continues to bridge Afrobeats with mainstream R&B and pop.

Upcoming Album: "APop"

Both "Is It Love" and the earlier chart-topper "Chanel" will appear on Tyla's forthcoming second studio album, APop, which is scheduled for release on July 24. The album follows her self-titled debut, released in 2024, which topped the World Albums chart for five weeks and spawned multiple hits. Tyla has described APop as a project that fuses Afrobeats with genres like amapiano, pop, and even hip-hop, reflecting her South African roots and global ambitions.

In anticipation of the album, Tyla has been active with other singles. "She Did It Again," a collaboration with Swedish pop star Zara Larsson, adds an eighth week on the Pop Airplay chart, though it dips slightly from No. 27 to No. 28. Meanwhile, "Game Time (FIFA World Cup 2026)," a collaboration with rapper Future, debuts at No. 48 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and climbs from No. 38 to No. 31 on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay. This track, tied to the upcoming global soccer tournament, shows Tyla's ability to secure high-profile partnerships and expand her reach into sports culture.

Tyla's Rise to Stardom and Influence

Tyla Laura Seethal, born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, first gained attention in 2019 with her debut single "Getting Late," featuring Kooldrink. The song went viral in the amapiano scene and set the stage for her international breakout. Her unique sound—often described as "popiano," a mix of pop and amapiano—helped her stand out. With the success of "Water," she became one of the first South African artists to achieve a global hit since Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela decades earlier.

Her achievements have not gone unnoticed in the industry. She has been nominated for multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best African Music Performance for "Water" in 2025. She also won the Billboard Women in Music Breakthrough Award, presented by Zara Larsson. Tyla has used her platform to advocate for greater representation of African artists in mainstream Western media, and she frequently incorporates elements of South African culture into her music and visuals.

The U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart itself has been instrumental in highlighting African music in America. Launched in April 2022, the chart tracks the top Afrobeats songs based on streaming, sales, and airplay. Tyla's ability to dominate this chart demonstrates the growing appetite for Afrobeats among American audiences, a trend that has been building for years with artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido paving the way. Tyla's success, however, is particularly notable because she is a woman in a male-dominated genre, and she has managed to achieve sustained chart dominance that rivals her male counterparts.

What's Next for Tyla

With the release of APop just weeks away, Tyla is poised to have another massive year. The album is expected to feature a mix of solo tracks and collaborations, further expanding her musical palette. Besides the already released singles, fans are eager to hear new material that could define the next phase of her career. Tyla has hinted at a world tour to support the album, which would likely include stops in North America, Europe, and Africa.

Meanwhile, "Is It Love" continues to gain momentum on streaming platforms. Its catchy hook and relatable lyrics make it a strong candidate for summer playlists. Tyla's ability to generate multiple No. 1s from a single album cycle—should other tracks from APop reach the summit—would further cement her legacy as the defining Afrobeats artist of her generation.

In addition, Tyla's involvement in other projects, such as voicing an inflatable flamingo in the Sub-Saharan version of "Toy Story 5," shows her expanding into voice acting and media. She also continues to engage with fans on social media, where she shares snippets of new music and behind-the-scenes content. Her authenticity and connection with her audience have been key to her sustained success.

The record for most No. 1s on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart now stands at four, but Tyla shows no signs of slowing down. With a dedicated fan base, strong industry support, and an evolving sound, she is likely to add more chart-toppers in the years to come. As she herself has said in interviews, she aims to make timeless music that transcends borders and generations.

"Is It Love" is available now on all streaming platforms. APop is set for release on July 24, 2026, via FAX Records and Epic Records.

Source:MSN News