Tag: trending

Verano Forever: Latin Hits Bringing the Heat on Spotify

August 14, 2025

As the mercury rises and the days stretch long, Spotify has been turning up the vibrant sounds of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean with our Verano Forever campaign. And the playlist with the same name holding it all together is Verano Forever. 

But the party isn’t over yet—in fact, it’s about to begin. That’s because Verano Forever is also a full-blown celebration going down in the heart of Miami on August 22. With its rich blend of cultures and deep ties to Latin music, Miami was a natural choice for this immersive event. It’s more than just a party; it’s a space where artists and fans can connect through shared rhythms, stories, and the unmistakable energy of Latin summer.

For Gen Z Latinos, music transcends mere sound; it’s a vital conduit for cultural connection, a catalyst for unforgettable experiences, and a cherished escape in a fast-paced world. Spotify understands this intrinsic link, recognizing that summer itself is a mood—a time for disconnection and reconnection, for dancing away worries, and for savoring every sun-drenched moment. 

For the love of Latin 

To that end, Verano Forever also underscores the excitement of the genre’s global ascent, a movement kicked off by artists like Bad Bunny and now brought to life through a new wave of trailblazers.

But it isn’t just the latest hits fueling the 2025 beat. These fan-favorite tracks (all more than five years old) see a spike in global streams each summer:

    1. LA CANCIÓN by Bad Bunny and J Balvin
    2. Callaita by Bad Bunny and Tainy
    3. No Me Conoce – Remix by Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and JHAYCO
    4. Danza Kuduro by Don Omar and Lucenzo
    5. Con Calma by Daddy Yankee and Snow

In the U.S., over 12,500 user-generated playlists include the words “verano AND Latin” or “Summer AND Latin” in the title.

The most-streamed tracks in the U.S. on the Verano Forever playlist within the last five years are: 

    1. Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido by KAROL G
    2. Tattoo – Remix by Rauw Alejandro, Camilo
    3. La Bachata by Manuel Turizo
    4. Todo De Ti by Rauw Alejandro
    5. PROVENZA by KAROL G
    6. Santa by Ayra Starr, Rauw Alejandro, Rvssian
    7. Indeciso by J Balvin, Lalo Ebratt, Reik
    8. Tan Bonita by Piso 21
    9. DESPECHÁ by ROSALÍA
    10. Brickell by Feid, Yandel

The most-streamed artists on the Verano Forever playlist over the past five years in the U.S. are:

    1. KAROL G
    2. Rauw Alejandro
    3. Bad Bunny
    4. Feid
    5. J Balvin
    6. Camilo
    7. Manuel Turizo
    8. Myke Towers
    9. Ozuna
    10. Maluma

Also at its heart are the dynamic subgenres shaping the contemporary Latin soundscape. Spotify is creating a dedicated space for listeners to discover and immerse themselves in these rising movements. From Afrobeats Latino, where Latin elements fuse with African rhythms, to Latin House making waves in the electronic dance scene, and Caribbean fusions blending funk, reggae, and soul, the diversity is exhilarating. Even salsa is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, with a new generation of Latin artists breathing life into the iconic genre.

A backstage pass to the heat

Verano Forever will feature in-depth artist storytelling, highlighting the journeys of artists who contribute to this rich tapestry. Names including Rawayana, Beéle, and Myke Towers among others will receive the spotlight with narratives that often trace back to humble beginnings, offering inspiring and relevant insights for fans.

Verano Forever is a testament to Latin music’s undeniable global influence and its power to define a season. Spotify is showing up where Latin culture lives, creating exclusive, fan-first moments that solidify its role as the ultimate curator of a vibrant summertime soundtrack.

Spotify’s Mother of Music Campaign Celebrates the City’s Unmistakable Sound and Culture

August 1, 2025

Over the past six weeks, Spotify’s been in the vibrant city of Durban in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, for our annual Mother of Music (MOM) event. We’ve celebrated the rich creative culture surrounding the Durban-born genre Gqom, along with Amapiano and Kwaito music—uniquely South African genres that have significantly shaped the trajectory of African music at large and captured the attention of fans worldwide.

From Umqhumos (a South African taxi Gqom-blasting experience complete with local dancers) to Durban nightlife photography exhibitions at the MOM Spirit Home at Hue Cafe in Berea, we’ve hosted a number of events that attracted music fans across Durban. The festivities put some of Durban’s foundational music figures in the spotlight, like dancer, Gqom MC, radio host, and media personality TDK Macassette; prominent Afro-house DJ, producer, and radio host DJ LESOUL; hip-hop and soul king Asvnte; and rising Gqom star DJ Cndo, while featuring collaborations with local streetwear brands like Richmanskyf, Refuse, and Elizabeth Dust, celebrating the visual and kinetic energy that defines Durban.

“Gqom is more than a genre,” said Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music in sub-Saharan Africa. “It’s a movement. And it started here. MOM gives us a chance to honor Gqom’s roots, spotlight the artists, and fuel its next chapter.”

The triple threat: Gqom, Amapiano, and Kwaito

Bred in Durban’s underground scenes, Gqom found its footing around 2009. The city’s minibus taxis became an integral part of Gqom culture, playing host to dance battles and giving commuters a place to share and rate the latest tracks. The vibrant Bhenga dance culture emerged soon thereafter, with expressive moves that feature wavy arms, toe-tapping, wobbly knees, and intricate footwork. 

With its raw, hypnotic sound born in the backrooms of KwaMashu, Gqom has seen a truly meteoric rise: Spotify recorded a staggering 5,732% growth in global Gqom streams since 2018. Check out the top 10 global Gqom hits:

    1. “Ama Gear” by Dlala Thukzin, Funky Qla, MK Productions, and Zee Nxumalo
    2. “Ngeke” by Big Nuz and Dj Yamza
    3. “Omunye” by Benny Maverick, Distruction Boyz, and Dladla Mshunqisi
    4. “John Cena” by Sho Madjozi
    5. “Hade Boss” by DJ Lag, K.C Driller, and Mr Nation Thingz
    6. “Sohlala Sisonke” by  Dlala Thukzin, MK Productions, and Zeh McGeba
    7. “Banomoya” by Busiswa, Prince Kaybee, and TNS
    8. “Midnight Starring” by Busiswa, DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tira, Distruction Boyz, Moonchild Sanelly, and Rude Boyz
    9. “Ngibambeni” by Mxolisi Khumalo, YANII
    10. “Eyadini” by Dason, Manqonqo, and Saviour Gee

While Amapiano has found worldwide appeal, Durban artists have infused the genre with a unique, gritty, and soulful flavor. It’s a sound deeply influenced by the city’s Gqom roots, born from township ingenuity and a distinct local vibe. This is the music of artists like Dlala Thukzin, MaWhoo, Distruction Boyz, and Rudeboyz, who are carrying the torch passed down by their house and Kwaito forebears.

Amapiano’s rise is nearly incomprehensible, with an explosive 114,377% growth in global streams between 2018 and 2024. The top 10 Amapiano tunes globally and their makers are:

    1. “Imithandazo (feat. Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine & Umthakathi Kush)” by DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Mthunzi, Sizwe Alakine, Umthakathi Kush, and Young Stunna
    2. “Mnike” by Ceeka RSA, DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Tumelo_za, Tyler ICU, and Tyrone Dee
    3. “Awukhuzeki” by DJ Stokie, Omit ST, Sobzeen, and Zee_nhle
    4. “Masithokoze” by DJ Stokie, and Eemoh
    5. “Imnandi lento” by Mellow & Sleazy, SjavasDaDeejay, TitoM, and Tman Xpress
    6. “Izenzo” by Aymos, Bassie, and T-Man SA
    7. “Mina Nawe” by Emotionz DJ, Happy Jazzman, Mashudu, and Soa Mattrix
    8. “Keneilwe” by Dalom Kids, Master KG, Nkosazana Daughter, and Wanitwa Mos
    9. “SETE” by Blxckie, K.O, and Young Stunna
    10. “Sukakude” by Babalwa M, Kelvin Momo, and Sfarzo Rtee

Kwaito’s 9,820% rise since 2018 is also staggering. The hottest Kwaito songs on the global charts are:

    1. “Lento” by Professor and Speedy
    2. “Khona” by Mafikizolo and Uhuru
    3. “Nkalakatha” by Mandoza
    4. “Magasman” by Lebo Mathosa and Trompies
    5. “Sister Bethina” by Mgarimbe
    6. “Ngomhla Wosindiso – 2014” by Zola
    7. “Live My Life” by Winnie Khumalo
    8. “Sweety Lavo” by Copperhead, OSKIDO, and Trompies
    9. “Be There” by Big Nuz, DJ Ganyani, and MLU
    10. “Umdlwembe” by Zola

Through Mother of Music, we are reaffirming our commitment to telling local stories that have global resonance. With Gqom, Durban built a genre that shook the world, and the world is still dancing.

Stream our MOM playlist on Spotify.

10 Wild Card Tracks Join Spotify’s Songs of Summer 2025 Editorial Picks

July 23, 2025

The days are longer, the nights are warmer, and the soundtrack of summer keeps evolving. Back in May, Spotify’s global editors kicked off the season with our annual Songs of Summer predictions, blending cultural expertise, editorial instinct, and streaming data to spotlight contenders for this year’s defining anthems.

But summer never stands still. Now that we’re halfway through the season, our editors are shaking up the list with 10 new “wild card” tracks—songs released since our initial reveal or experiencing a recent surge in global streams. These wild cards reflect what’s resonating with listeners right now, capturing the moments and moods dominating culture across the globe. For example, global streams of “Illegal” by PinkPantheress shot up 155% on Spotify in the last month, while Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” and Addison Rae’s “Fame is a Gun” both charted on Spotify’s Global Top 50 following their releases.

From high-speed dance floor bangers to bold main-character anthems, this year’s wild cards cut across genres and tap into the euphoric feeling of summer. There’s breezy optimism, infectious energy, and a few surprises along the way.

Spotify’s 2025 Songs of Summer: Midseason update

Listed alphabetically by artist first name; wild card picks in italics

“Our team of editors are constantly monitoring listening trends and cultural signals from around the world to understand what’s truly connecting with audiences,” said J.J. Italiano, Head of Global Music Curation and Discovery at Spotify. “Our wild card additions are a reflection of that real-time curation. Whether it’s the innovative production of ‘No Broke Boys’ or the intensity of ‘ALAMBRE PùA,’ each of these songs has captured a specific energy that listeners are gravitating toward right now. They represent the diverse sounds and stories shaping the season across borders.”

A summer celebration in Los Angeles

To toast summer’s next musical moment, Spotify’s annual Songs of Summer party landed Wednesday in Beverly Hills, featuring performances from Ravyn Lenae and Jessie Murph—two artists making waves on this year’s list.