World music lets you enjoy truly global sounds that carry traditional music from around the world—especially from non-English-speaking regions—into the present.
Its appeal lies in a universal expressive power that resonates across different cultures and languages.
In recent years, songs incorporating African rhythms, Arabian flavors, and Latin music have become worldwide hits, and its diversity keeps expanding, even into experimental works that combine traditional instruments with electronic sounds.
In this article, we’ll broadly introduce smash hits and highly acclaimed popular tracks that capture the current moment of world music.
We also feature traditional world music in the latter half, so be sure to check it out.
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Ella Baila SolaEslabon Armado, Peso Pluma
Eslabon Armado, active in California, is a group that carries on the traditions of regional Mexican music.
Centered around brothers Pedro Tovar and Brian Tovar, they create music that fuses the acoustic sierreño style with urban elements.
Their collaboration with Mexico’s Peso Pluma portrays a longing for a woman dancing alone at a party.
Lyrics from a youth perspective pair exquisitely with a wistful melody, while traditional instruments like the requinto guitar and tololoche deliver a pleasantly resonant triple-meter rhythm.
Released in March 2023 as the lead single from the album Desvelado, the track reached No.
4 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the first-ever top 5 entry for regional Mexican music.
It’s the perfect song for savoring that thrilling moment when love might be in the air.
CALLAÍTABad Bunny
A classic released in 2019 from Puerto Rico’s Latin trap scene, crafted by Bad Bunny and producer Tainy.
With waves and seagulls in the background, its ambient sound design evokes a salty sea breeze.
The lyrics strikingly portray a woman’s duality—quiet and reserved by day, revealing another side at night—while the subtly restrained reggaeton rhythm delivers a groove that perfectly captures the liberating feel of a summer night.
It topped the singles chart in Spain and surpassed one billion views on YouTube.
An ideal track for summer night drives or relaxing by the beach!
CommasAyra Starr
Ayra Starr, an Afropop singer with Nigerian roots and a rising young artist born in 2002.
Since her debut in 2021, she has earned international acclaim, and in February 2024 she released this track from her album “The Year I Turned 21.” Set against calm acoustic guitar and strings, she delivers a powerful vocal about self-affirmation and the will to grow.
The lyrics—portraying steady, accumulating success and a determination to cut off negative influences—leave a strong impression.
Its sophisticated fusion of R&B and Afrobeats is recommended for anyone who wants to move forward while staying true to themselves.
DumebiRema
A standout track from Nigerian Afrobeats’ young star Rema, released in March 2019 when he officially launched his career with his debut EP, “Rema.” It’s a love song that captures infatuation with an irresistibly charming woman through a catchy melody and a repetitive hook.
Blending traditional Afrobeats with dancehall elements to perfection, the sound features a laid-back beat centered on a piano riff, topped by Rema’s sweet vocals—a truly global pop-ready finish.
The song racked up tens of millions of views on YouTube and earned Gold certification in France, achieving major success beyond Nigeria.
With this track, Rema won the “Next Rated” award at The Headies 2019, making it a pivotal work that laid the foundation for his subsequent worldwide rise.
Highly recommended not only for those interested in Afrobeats but also for anyone seeking uplifting dance music!
ТРИ ПОЛОСИJerry Heil
Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, this song by singer-songwriter Jerry Heil has drawn attention as a track that delivers a powerful message.
The lyrics depict a protagonist clad in a three-striped tracksuit, moving forward while listening to music through earphones—an image that symbolizes a resolve not to yield to hardship or criticism.
Blending electropop and dance-pop, the sound layers a heavy bassline with synthesizers, brimming with energy that inspires listeners.
Released in November 2023, the song first gained traction on TikTok and went on to rank high on the domestic charts in Ukraine.
It’s a strong anthem of encouragement, recommended for those seeking the courage to pursue their dreams in the face of adversity.
LisaYoung Miko
A track by Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko.
Released in March 2023, this Latin trap number blends moody piano with punchy beats.
Its appeal lies in lyrics that proudly affirm attraction to and love for diverse forms of beauty.
Candidly expressing affection for women of all shapes and personalities—from curvy to slim—the message reflects a worldview unique to an artist who openly embraces her LGBTQ+ identity.
The powerful rap and shaded, atmospheric sound will encourage anyone who wants to cherish their true self.
ProvenzaKAROL G
Karol G, the reggaeton singer Colombia is proud of.
The track she released in April 2022 ahead of her album “Mañana Será Bonito” blends Latin pop with Afrobeats and tropical rhythms.
Titled after a neighborhood in her hometown of Medellín, the song reflects on past relationships while celebrating the freedom she’s found now.
Its lyrics strikingly balance nostalgia with a sense of liberation.
The track reached No.
1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, marking her first solo chart-topper.
It also earned high acclaim, including nominations in two major categories at the Latin Grammy Awards.
A perfect pick for anyone looking to reclaim their true self over a breezy beat.