Spotify’s Global Stage Belongs to Tyla and Maphorisa

Spotify’s 2025 Global Impact List has arrived—and two names are leading South Africa’s cultural charge onto the world stage: Tyla and DJ Maphorisa.

Topping the list of the 30 most globally impactful South African tracks in the first half of 2025, Tyla and Maphorisa aren’t just riding the wave—they’re steering it. Their consistent international success is redefining what it means to be a South African artist in a global era.

Tyla: South Africa’s Pop Queen Goes Global

With three tracks dominating the Global Impact List, Tyla has cemented her place as one of the most influential crossover artists from the continent. Her versatility shines across genres and borders—from the sultry hit “Bliss”, to the viral remix of “PUSH 2 START” featuring Sean Paul and Davido, to the shimmering pop collaboration “Show Me Love” with WizTheMc. Each track showcases not just her voice, but her vision.

Tyla isn’t just making hits—she’s shaping the narrative of African pop’s global reach.

Maphorisa: Amapiano’s Global Architect

While Tyla dominates the pop charts, DJ Maphorisa remains the heartbeat of Amapiano’s international rise. With five tracks featured on the list, including crowd-pullers like “Abantwana Bakho” (with Kabza De Small and Nkosazana Daughter) and “Sangena” with Toss, Maphorisa proves, once again, he’s more than a hitmaker—he’s a cultural ambassador.

From gritty club bangers to smooth grooves, Maphorisa is taking the uniquely South African Amapiano sound to global dance floors—and the world is listening.

Collaboration: The Blueprint for Global Success

One theme ties it all together: collaboration. Whether it’s Tyla teaming up with global stars or Maphorisa uniting SA’s best talents, the 2025 Global Impact List shows that partnerships are powering global resonance.

Other standout collabs include Major League Djz and Jorja Smith’s sultry Amapiano-pop hybrid “Come With Me”, and Master KG’s Latin American breakthrough with “Ngishutheni”, alongside Eemoh and Goon Flavour.

Amapiano: No Longer a Trend—It’s a Global Movement

Amapiano continues to be the genre defining South Africa’s global footprint. Tracks like “Ngibolekeni” (featuring Blxckie, Maphorisa and more) demonstrate how this once-underground sound is now a mainstay in international DJ sets from Lagos to Berlin.

Beyond Amapiano and pop, the Global Impact List reflects South Africa’s sonic diversity. From Alice Phoebe Lou’s introspective indie gems to Kingd Music and Luma Elpidio’s gospel anthem “Jesus,” and even THEMBA’s house remix of “Beautiful People” featuring David Guetta and Sia—Mzansi music is being heard, felt, and loved across the world.

Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, puts it best:The 2025 Global Impact List proves that when collaboration fuels creativity, South African music becomes an unstoppable force. We’re not just seeing global reach—we’re seeing global influence.”

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