Now Reading: Tyla’s “Water” Ranked 135th Best Song of the 21st century by Rolling Stone
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Tyla’s “Water” Ranked 135th Best Song of the 21st century by Rolling Stone
“Water,” the breakout single by South African singer Tyla, has been ranked 135th on Rolling Stone’s list of The 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century So Far. The list, published in October 2025, highlights songs released since the year 2000 that have had significant cultural and musical impact.
Originally released in July 2023, “Water” quickly gained international attention for its unique blend of South African amapiano, Afrobeats, and pop influences. The track became a viral hit on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where a dance challenge contributed to its widespread popularity. This global exposure helped the song break into major international music charts.
In the United States, “Water” entered the Billboard Hot 100 in October 2023 and climbed to a peak position of number 7 by January 2024. With this achievement, Tyla became the first South African solo artist to reach the top 10 of the Hot 100 in over five decades. The last South African soloist to chart was Hugh Masekela in 1968 with “Grazing in the Grass.”
The song also reached top chart positions in several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and multiple African nations. It went on to receive multi-platinum certifications in both the United States and South Africa, and achieved diamond certification in Brazil.
In addition to commercial success, “Water” made history at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2024. Tyla won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, a new category introduced that year. This marked her first Grammy win and added another milestone to the song’s legacy.
Tyla began releasing music in the early 2020s and signed with a major label in 2021. Before the release of “Water,” she had released several singles that gained regional attention. However, it was “Water” that brought her global recognition and positioned her as a leading voice in a new generation of African pop artists.
The inclusion of “Water” in Rolling Stone’s 21st-century rankings reflects not only the song’s chart performance but also its role in elevating South African music on the global stage. Tyla’s continued success signals a growing international interest in African genres and artists.
