Tyla and DJ Maphorisa Lead South Africa’s Charge on Spotify’s 2025 Global Impact List

South African music is proving once again that it cannot be confined by borders. Spotify Africa has released its 2025 Global Impact List, spotlighting the Mzansi tracks that have made the biggest waves internationally in the first half of the year. At the very top are two familiar names: Tyla and DJ Maphorisa.

Tyla, more than a viral moment

Tyla’s meteoric rise over the past two years has shifted her from a “TikTok sensation” into a certified global star. After dominating the 2024 Global Impact List with an unprecedented 12 entries from her debut album, she returns this year with three tracks that highlight her range and staying power.

Her features on WizTheMc’s “Show Me Love,” the infectious “Bliss,” and a Sean Paul remix of “Push 2 Start” reflect her ability to blend into different genres without losing her signature “popiano” sound. Social media reaction has been clear: fans see her as the future of South African pop, with many on X (formerly Twitter) calling her “Mzansi’s Beyoncé.”

Maphorisa keeps amapiano global

Source: 2022 Africa on X 

While Tyla brings the crossover appeal, DJ Maphorisa continues to be amapiano’s most consistent global ambassador. With five tracks featured on the 2025 list, including crowd favourites “Abantwana Bakho” with Kabza De Small and Nkosazana Daughter, and “Sangena” with Toss, Maphorisa cements his role as the heartbeat of the genre.

Maphorisa’s strength lies in collaboration. His ability to read the dance floor and pair the right artists together has kept amapiano not just alive, but thriving across Europe, North America, and Latin America. On TikTok, clips of “Sangena” have gone viral in countries as far afield as Brazil and Spain, proving just how global the sound has become.

More than numbers, it’s about influence

Spotify emphasizes that the Global Impact List isn’t just a charting exercise. It’s about tracking influence and identifying the tracks that are actively shaping music trends worldwide. Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music in Sub-Saharan Africa, notes that collaboration is a key driver of this influence: “When collaboration fuels creativity, South African music becomes an unstoppable force.”

The 2025 list underlines that point. From Major League DJs linking with Jorja Smith on “Come With Me” to Master KG’s Latin American crossover with “Ngishutheni,” the story of Mzansi’s music in 2025 is one of fearless experimentation.

A sound without borders

What’s striking about this year’s list is its variety. Alongside amapiano and hip hop staples from Cassper Nyovest, Yanga Chief, and Blxckie, we also see gospel powerhouses like Kingdmusic and Luma Elpidio with their anthem “Jesus,” and a house remix from THEMBA alongside David Guetta and Sia.

This breadth reflects something deeper: South African music is no longer defined by a single exportable genre. Instead, it’s a creative wave that adapts, evolves, and surprises — shaping dance floors, playlists, and TikTok challenges worldwide.

The bigger picture

For South Africans, this recognition is more than just bragging rights. It’s cultural validation. Our music is no longer just for local charts; it’s influencing what the world listens to, dances to, and remixes. The Global Impact List shows that Mzansi’s artists are not only part of global pop culture but are actively redefining it.

From Tyla’s genre-bending “popiano” to Maphorisa’s amapiano dominance, the message is clear: South African music has arrived, and it isn’t going anywhere.

Source:IOL 

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