Tyla and DJ Maphorisa top Spotify’s 2025 Global Impact List, leading a surge in South African music’s international popularity.
Zuko Komisa

Spotify’s 2025 Global Impact List has highlighted a significant surge in South African music’s international reach, with Tyla and DJ Maphorisa at the forefront of this cultural export boom.
The list, which ranks the top 30 South African tracks making waves globally in the first half of 2025, underscores the power of collaboration and the continued rise of Amapiano.
Tyla, with three songs on the list, is solidifying her status as a global powerhouse. Her successful collaborations include “Show Me Love” with WizTheMc, “Bliss,” and a “PUSH 2 START” remix featuring Sean Paul and Davido, showcasing her ability to effortlessly transcend genres and borders.
Meanwhile, DJ Maphorisa is leading the Amapiano movement, with five tracks making the cut. His hits, such as “Abantwana Bakho” with Kabza De Small and Nkosazana Daughter, “Uyaphapha Marn” featuring Scotts Maphuma, and “Sangena” with Toss, are exporting South African culture worldwide.
The report notes that collaboration is key to global success. Other notable collaborations include Major League Djz teaming up with Jorja Smith on “Come With Me” and Master KG’s “Ngishutheni” with Eemoh and Goon Flavour, which is gaining traction in Latin America.

Amapiano remains a dominant force on the global dance floor, with South African producers continuing to deliver hits that resonate from Lagos to Lisbon.
The list also reveals the diversity of South African music, with genres from indie-pop (Alice Phoebe Lou) to gospel (Kingd Music) also making their mark. House music is also represented, with a remix of “Beautiful People” by THEMBA featuring David Guetta and Sia.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music in Sub-Saharan Africa, commented that the list “proves that when collaboration fuels creativity, South African music becomes an unstoppable force,” adding that the industry is now seeing “global influence.”
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