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The sun is out , refreshing drinks are in hand and feet are ready to 2-step. What better way to do so than with some of the best jams to heat up and brighten up your playlist?
We've picked some summer hit lists that have dominated global charts for weeks. With fresh new beats, from Billie Eilish’s unique sound to arguably the biggest Afrikaans treffer of the year.
Here are the songs that have defined 2019 in the best of ways possible and topped local and international music streaming charts:
Biggy – Dames
Whether you love it or hate it, there’s something undeniable catchy about this Afrikaans track that had come to shake the nation with its bold lyrics and club beat. After being memed to death on social media, the track gained infamy and popularity all at once and is still dominating high up on local music charts.
Billie Eilish – Bad Guy
This track has the buzz that has one instinctively tapping their foot along to the synth and bass sonic break that takes over in the chorus. This track from her sophomore album spent nine non-consecutive weeks in the number one spot of the US charts, until it had dethroned the iconic Old Town Road song. It’s also still ranking high in local music charts as well – making it the perfect playlist addition.
Shawn Mendes ft Camila Cabello – Senorita
With sensual vocals crooning over the Latin melody, this song became a global hit immediately with fans the world over swooning over Mendes and Cabello’s chemistry and vocal synergy. The song is perfect for those warm summer nights, sharing a cold beer with friends.
Ed Sheeran ft Justin Bieber – I Don’t Care
Ed Sheeran dropped an entire collaborative album chock-full of catchy tunes - several of which became instant hits and are still holding rank in global charts. One such global hit, featuring Bieber is undoubtedly the care-free summer bop we all need and deserve.
Lizzo – Truth Hurts
This song was not actually released this year. In fact, it was released back in 2017. However, following the inclusion of it in the Netflix movie Someone Great, the track gained fast popularity this year and gained global acclaim in the charts - becoming the empowerment anthem we never knew we already had.
Khalid – Better
This smooth and laid-back Khalid track is the perfect soundtrack to a summer by the beachside, sipping a cold beverage and chasing the magic of SA’s golden hours. The soothing track sits cosy in the top 50 of local charts and is worth a spot on your summer chill playlist.
Ed Sheeran ft Camila Cabello & Cardi B – South of the Border
Another track from Sheeran’s collaborative anthem sure to have you swaying in the splendour of the sun is this one with a Latin flare. Sitting in the top 50 of the local charts, this track has the perfect groove to get your move on this summer.
Normani – Motivation
If you needed any motivation to be your best self this summer, Normani is sure to give it to you. This track of her, with its 90s and early 2000s nostalgic feel, is bound to have you dancing the second the beat drops. The track sits highly ranked in local charts – currently number 3 and 11 on the Cape Town and Johannesburg CocaColaTop40SA charts, respectively.
Zedd ft Kehlani – Good Thing
If you need a bit of a confidence boost or just a reminder that you are the badass boss you are, this track is perfect to have you feeling recharged ready to take on the world and make it your own. Both Zedd and Kehlani have charted globally with their hits The Middle (ft Maren Morris & Grey) and Ring (ft. Cardi B), respectively.
Ed Sheeran ft Khalid – Beautiful People
This tune with Khalid is sure to have you feeling confident and chilled by the poolside. This track is still holding high rank in local and international charts and can undoubtedly do the same with its sway-worthy melody you can’t help but sing along to.
Taylor Swift – You Need to Calm Down
Marking her first solo single return, after her hit with Panic! At The Disco – Me! - this track blew up charts the world over and is still charting high in local and global charts. In fact, her album, Lover, had become the 2019’s top selling album just two days after its release. Proving that this Taylor Swift track is a great addition to the summer playlist because sometimes we all just need to calm down and kick our feet up and be lekker.
Lil Nas X ft Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road
What summer playlist would be complete without this global smash hit? Breaking the US charts by holding reign over it for 17 weeks, the song had birthed several different versions of it, but the most memorable and played one is the mash-up featuring country legend, Billy Ray Cyrus.
This post is sponsored by SOL Beer produced by Brandstudio24 for Channel24.
