Tyla Bags Global Recognition as “Water” Named One of 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century

South African pop star Tyla has reached another major milestone as her global hit “Water” was officially named one of the “250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century,” ranking at number 135, by Rolling Stone. The recognition highlights Tyla’s impact as a defining voice of the “popiano” wave, a sound blending South African amapiano rhythms with contemporary pop.

Rolling Stone praised “Water” for the way Tyla “drapes her breathy, iridescent voice over amapiano’s trademark thunk-thunk log-drum beats.” The publication described the track as a seamless fusion of South African rhythm and global pop appeal, calling it one of the freshest and most captivating songs of the decade.

The list celebrates 25 years of music that shaped modern pop, highlighting tracks that pushed boundaries and reflected global trends. It spans genres from Afrobeats and reggaeton to K-pop and indie rock, capturing the full diversity of 21st-century music. Tyla’s inclusion underscores South African music’s global relevance and confirms “Water” as more than a viral hit—it is a cultural moment resonating worldwide.

Tyla’s career began in Johannesburg, where she first gained attention in 2019 with her breakout single “Getting Late.” That same year, she collaborated with DJ Lag and Kooldrink on “Overdue,” a track later featured in the trailer for Netflix’s Blood & Water.

The release of “Water” in July 2023 marked a turning point in her career. The song’s irresistible hook and viral TikTok dance challenge propelled it to international success, earning Tyla her first entry on the US Billboard Hot 100. Her performance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” introduced her to a wider American audience and solidified her global presence.

“Water” dominated the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart, spending 50 consecutive weeks at No.1, making it the longest-running solo No.1 by a female artist. The track also topped charts in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, among other countries. In February 2024, Tyla won her first Grammy Award for “Best African Music Performance” for “Water,” further cementing her international acclaim.

Blending pop and amapiano, “Water” celebrates rhythm, youth, and cultural pride. Its sound represents a new era of global pop music with African artists taking center stage. Being named among the 250 greatest songs of the 21st century is another major achievement for the multi-award-winning singer and a testament to her influence on the global music landscape.