Tyla’s ‘Water’ is named a 21st-century classic by ‘Rolling Stone’

South African pop star Tyla bags another win with her global hit “Water” officially being named one of “250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century”, ranking at number 135, by “Rolling Stone”.

The honour marks another major milestone for the 23-year-old, whose sound has become a defining voice of her unique “popiano” wave.

According to “Rolling Stone”, “Water” stands out for the way Tyla “drapes her breathy, iridescent voice over amapiano’s trademark thunk-thunk log-drum beats.”

The publication praised the song’s seamless fusion of South African rhythm and global pop appeal, describing it as one of the freshest and most captivating tracks of the decade.

The latest list highlights the tracks that have shaped the modern music era, celebrating 25 years of songs that pushed boundaries and reflected how global pop has evolved. The publication describes it as a mix of sounds and styles that capture “the full chaotic glory of 21st-century music,” featuring everything from Afrobeats and reggaeton to K-pop and indie rock − IOL.