Rich South Africans are buying homes in one of the safest countries in Africa
More wealthy South Africans are buying homes in Namibia, ranked as one of the safest countries in Africa, for tax benefits and permanent residency.
At the top of this cultural export boom, two names stand out: Tyla and DJ Maphorisa. And if the numbers are anything to go by, Mzansi’s sound is not only being heard—it’s being celebrated.
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Tyla
With three tracks dominating the list, Tyla is proving she’s more than a one-hit wonder. Her shimmering crossover single “Show Me Love” with WizTheMc, the sultry “Bliss,” and the fiery “PUSH 2 START” remix alongside Sean Paul and Davido have cemented her as one of the continent’s biggest exports.
“She’s moving effortlessly across borders, genres and fan bases,” notes Spotify. For Tyla, collaboration isn’t just a strategy—it’s her superpower.
DJ Maphorisa
On the Amapiano front, DJ Maphorisa continues to prove why he’s a pioneer. With five tracks featured on the list—including “Abantwana Bakho” with Kabza De Small and Nkosazana Daughter, and “Sangena” with Toss—Maphorisa is not just making club hits, he’s pushing South African culture across the globe.
“Maphorisa isn’t just making music—he’s exporting a movement,” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music in Sub-Saharan Africa. “The 2025 Global Impact List proves that when collaboration fuels creativity, South African music becomes an unstoppable force.”
Collaboration: The Secret Weapon
If there’s one big takeaway from this year’s rankings, it’s that collaboration is driving global success. From Major League Djz teaming up with Jorja Smith on “Come With Me,” to Master KG’s Latin American crossover with “Ngishutheni,” collabs are pushing South African music into new spaces.
Even House music had its moment: David Guetta and Sia’s “Beautiful People” found a fresh heartbeat through a remix by South Africa’s THEMBA, blending international star power with local rhythm.
Amapiano Still Rules
What started in township lounges has now become a global dance floor staple. Tracks like “Ngibolekeni” featuring Blxckie and Maphorisa prove that Amapiano isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a worldwide movement filling up festivals from Lagos to Lisbon.
Beyond Amapiano, the list showcases South Africa’s diversity. From Alice Phoebe Lou’s introspective indie-pop to Kingdmusic and Luma Elpidio’s gospel anthem “Jesus,” the country’s music scene is proving its ability to speak many languages while carrying one clear message: South African creativity has no borders.
As Okumu reminds us, “We’re not just seeing global reach—we’re seeing global influence.”
