The Rise of the New Queens: Tems, Tyla, and Ayra Starr in Afrobeats and African Music

Afrobeats, a genre once underappreciated on the global stage, has seen a meteoric rise over the last few years, with African artists commanding attention worldwide. At the heart of this movement are three exceptional women who are not just transforming the genre but also changing the narrative for African women in music. These three powerhouse artists—Tems, Tyla, and Ayra Starr—have carved out their own unique paths to success, becoming some of the most influential names in global music today. Their recent achievements and the unity they’ve shown have set the stage for an even brighter future, not just for themselves but for young African women globally.

Listen to the Latest Ayra, Tyla & Tems Music here on our Afrobeats 2025 playlist.

Tems: A Global Force with Grammy Recognition

In the past few years, Tems has evolved from a promising newcomer to one of the most recognizable stars in global music. The Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer was recently awarded a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance 2025 for her smash hit "Love Me Jeje", an interpolation of Seyi Sodimu's 1997 song of the same name. She performed the song for the first time during her Coachella set in April, ahead of the release of her debut album Born in the Wild in May.

“My heart is beating so fast. I'm so sorry – I do work out, but it's not showing up right now,” the singer joked in her acceptance speech.

“Dear God, thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing me this team. And tomorrow is my mum's birthday. This is her first Grammys. I just want to thank you, Mum, because she's really done a lot for me and my brother. Happy birthday, Mum.”

Tems, 29, now has more Grammy awards than any other Nigerian artist, winning Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023 for the song Wait For U with American hip-hop stars Future and Drake. Fellow Nigerian artists Burna Boy, Wizkid and Siriku Adepoju each have one Grammy each.

resh off her momentous win at the 2025 Grammy Awards and the release of the captivating “Oh Boy” music video from her highly anticipated debut album, “Born in the Wild,” Tems has once again captivated audiences with an electrifying and deeply soulful live performance.

Tems recently graced the stage at the prestigious Aston Martin livery unveiling event, showcasing the sleek design of their 2025 Formula 1 season car. The performance, a highlight of the evening, featured a mesmerizing rendition of “Higher,” a fan favorite from her debut EP, “For Broken Ears.” The stage came alive as the new Aston Martin was unveiled alongside Tems, whose elegant presence and powerful vocals filled the venue. Adding to the enchanting atmosphere, the orchestra accompanied her, creating a rich and layered musical experience.

In a groundbreaking move, she also became the first African female part-owner of San Diego FC, highlighting her entrepreneurial spirit.

Tems’ consistent ability to cross over into mainstream Western music spaces while staying rooted in her African heritage has made her a role model for African women and young girls everywhere. As the industry continues to evolve, her success is proof that the future of Afrobeats is in safe hands.

Tyla: Breaking Records and Redefining Global Success

South African artist Tyla has firmly established herself as one of the most exciting artists in the Afrobeats/Amapiano and global pop scenes. Her career hit an important milestone when she became the first African act with a solo track "Water" crossing 1 billion streams on Spotify. Originally released on 28 July 2023, Water quickly gained momentum after Tyla’s electric live performance at the Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali, Rwanda.

The hit track went on to earn Tyla her first Grammy Award, bagging Best African Music Performance at the 66th Grammy Awards in February 2024—another historic win.

“We are incredibly proud of Tyla’s historic achievement,” says Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify in Africa.

“This milestone is a testament to her talent, hard work, and the power of music to transcend borders. Tyla’s success is an inspiration to aspiring artists across Africa and the world, and we are honoured to have played a part in her journey.”

The song’s signature fusion of Amapiano and R&B, coupled with a viral dance challenge, catapulted it to global recognition.

Her feat places her among an elite league of African musicians who have hit the billion-stream benchmark, joining the likes of Wizkid (via his feature on Drake’s One Dance), Rema (with Calm Down featuring Selena Gomez), and Tems (who achieved the milestone with her feature on Future’s Wait For U alongside Drake).

A Timeline of Success

18 July 2023 – Tyla previews Water at Spotify’s Greasy Tunes showcase in Johannesburg as part of RADAR Africa.

19 August 2023 – First live performance at Giants of Africa, igniting a viral TikTok dance challenge.

15 September 2023 – Water surpasses one million daily streams on Spotify for the first time.

26 October 2023 – The track crosses 100 million total streams on Spotify.

5 February 2024 – Tyla wins Best African Music Performance at the Grammy Awards, making history.

19 February 2025 – Water surpasses one billion streams, cementing Tyla’s status as a trailblazer.

Tyla’s groundbreaking success underscores the unstoppable rise of African music on the world stage.

Her journey has been championed by Spotify’s RADAR Africa and EQUAL Africa programs, which have played a crucial role in spotlighting emerging African talent and expanding their reach globally.

With a billion streams and counting, Tyla is proving that Water is more than just a hit song—it’s a cultural movement. And with the world watching, this is just the beginning of her remarkable ascent.

Her single, “PUSH 2 START,” became a viral sensation on TikTok, propelling further her into international stardom. Tyla’s performancewith Gunna at Flytime Fest 2024 was another highlight in her growing career, as she delivered a dynamic performance that had fans raving. She later dropped a deluxe version of her self-titled album, which continued to showcase her versatility and artistry.

Reflecting on the impact of Tems, Tyla praised her as “the blueprint for our generation,” acknowledging the doors Tems has opened for artists like her. This sentiment underscores the power of mentorship and solidarity among women in the industry. Tyla is not just breaking records—she’s paving the way for others to follow.

Ayra Starr: A Rising Star with Two MOBO Awards

Ayra Starr has become the first woman to win best African music act at the Mobo Awards 2025 in 16 years.

The singer also won best international music act, at the ceremony held in Newcastle.

The awards show was founded in 1996 and celebrates black culture and music in the UK

Nigeria’s Ayra Starr has emerged as one of the most dynamic and eclectic talents in Afrobeats. With her debut album The Year I Turned 21, Ayra has been taking the world by storm with infectious tracks like “Last Heartbreak Song” with Giveon and “Commas.” Her ability to blend Afrobeats with elements of pop, R&B, and alternative sounds has made her a fan favorite both in Africa and abroad.

Ayra Starr won the award by beating co-Nigerians Asake and Tems and also South Africa’s Tyla.

While receiving her award, Ayra Starr acknowledged the significance of the moment, saying, “Okay, this is my first MOBO. And this is the first time I’m winning a MOBO Award—make some noise! I am actually shaking right now. I am actually nervous.

“Thank you so much to everybody who supported me. Thank you to my team—my amazing MOB-STARS.

“My amazing brothers who make music with me—the producers in the studio—my studio partners in crime; my label—MAVINS record, Embryo, my mummy…

The Viral Moment: Unity and Support Among the Queens

In December 2024, Tems, Tyla, and Ayra Starr were spotted together at Obi's House in Lagos, Nigeria, where they were filmed dancing and celebrating the monumental success of each other's careers. A video from the event quickly went viral on social media, with fans expressing their excitement at seeing the trio together. The camaraderie between the three artists was palpable, and fans praised their unity. As one Twitter user pointed out, "It’s amazing to see Tyla, Ayra, and Tems hanging out, supporting each other, and ignoring the internet’s attempts to create rivalry." The positive energy from the trio is a stark contrast to the often divisive nature of the music industry, where comparisons and rivalry are common.

For many fans, this moment encapsulated the power of collaboration and solidarity, showcasing how these women are leading the charge for a more inclusive and supportive music scene. The viral clip of them dancing together became a symbol of unity in the African music industry, and people couldn’t help but wonder: What if this powerful trio decided to collaborate?

What This Means for African Women and the World

The collective success of Tems, Tyla, and Ayra Starr is not just a triumph for them individually but for young African women worldwide. It signals a monumental shift in how African women are perceived in the global music landscape. These women have demonstrated that not only can they compete with the biggest stars in the world, but they can also thrive in spaces where they were once excluded.

For African women, the triumphs of these artists are a beacon of hope. They serve as living proof that dreams of international recognition are not only possible but achievable. They inspire young girls in Africa and around the world to pursue their passions, be fearless in the face of adversity, and, most importantly, support one another in their journeys.

As these three queens of Afrobeats continue to rise, their stories will undoubtedly pave the way for even more women to take center stage, challenging the status quo and reshaping the music industry in the process.