Spotify acknowledges Tyla's viral hit 'Water' as one of the 100 Greatest Pop Songs of the Streaming Era.
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Spotify has released its “100 Greatest Pop Songs of the Streaming Era”, and African music has secured a notable presence on the list.
Among the songs recognised is “Water” by Tyla, which lands at number 50.
The list was curated by Spotify’s editorial team and focuses on music released from 2015 to the present. Rather than relying purely on streaming numbers, songs were selected based on cultural impact, musical quality, storytelling and long-term influence.
Three African-linked records made the list, ranking highest at number 8 is "One Dance", performed by Drake alongside Wizkid and Kyla.
According to Spotify, the song is widely credited with helping push Afrobeats into the global mainstream, becoming one of the music app’s most-streamed songs of all time and a turning point for the genre’s international reach.
At number 29 is “Calm Down” by Rema, featuring Selena Gomez. The song became a global crossover success, breaking multiple chart records and standing as one of the most successful Afrobeats songs in Billboard history.
Tyla’s “Water” enters the list from a different angle but with equal significance. The song introduced “popiano” to a global pop audience without reshaping the sound. Its rhythmic log drum resonated across continents, turning the song into a worldwide hit.
Since its release, “Water” has continued to reach new milestones. The song earned Tyla her first Grammy for Best African Music Performance, making her the first South African solo artist to win in the category.
The song’s success also made history on the "Billboard Hot 100", where Tyla became the first South African solo act to appear on the chart in over 50 years. These achievements helped cement “Water” as more than a viral hit.