The “Water” girl is proving she’s far from a one-hit wonder. On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) officially announced that Tyla’s hit single “Channel” has been certified Gold in the United States. The Tyla Channel Gold certification RIAA 2026 marks a significant achievement for the South African singer, solidifying her status as a permanent fixture in the global pop and amapiano landscape.
“Channel,” a standout track from her self-titled debut album, reached the 500,000-unit milestone in record time for a non-domestic artist. While her breakout hit “Water” introduced the world to her signature “Popiano” sound, “Channel” proved the strength of her discography. The track’s infectious blend of soulful vocals and rhythmic South African production has dominated streaming charts and viral TikTok trends for the past several months.
This Gold certification is particularly noteworthy as it comes during a busy year for the Grammy winner. Tyla has spent much of early 2026 on her world tour, which saw sold-out dates across North America and Europe, further driving the digital sales and streaming equivalent units needed for the RIAA honor.
Tyla continues to shatter glass ceilings for African artists in the Western market. By securing a Gold certification for a follow-up single, she has avoided the “sophomore slump” that often plagues international breakout stars.
• The “Water” Legacy: Her lead single “Water” is currently multi-Platinum and famously earned her the first-ever Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance.
• Album Success: Her debut album TYLA remains a top-seller, with “Channel” serving as a key driver for the project’s longevity on the Billboard 200.
With “Channel” officially turning Gold, industry insiders expect the track to continue its climb toward Platinum status as it remains in heavy rotation on rhythmic contemporary radio. Tyla recently teased new music during her performance at the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, hinting that a “deluxe” version of her album or a completely new EP may be on the horizon.
For now, the “Tiger Queen” is celebrating her latest win. As she continues to bridge the gap between Johannesburg and Hollywood, Tyla’s golden touch shows no signs of fading.
