African music is no longer a distant genre, It is steadily ascending the global music scene and shaping the soundscape of contemporary music. The continent’s sounds are driving a cultural revolution that resonates across the world.
Spotify Wrapped 2024 tells a compelling story about the impact of African music, especially the sounds emerging from Nigeria as they continue to thrill a diverse global audience and change the way we listen to music.
Afrobeats: The sound of a new era
Afrobeats, led by Nigerian artists, has evolved from a regional genre into a worldwide musical powerhouse. Burna Boy, a global icon, remains at the top of the globally streamed African artists chart. His genre-defying fusion of Afro-fusion and international influences is setting new standards for global success.
A significant number of Nigerian artists such as Ayra Starr, Rema, Tems, and Asake claim top spots too. The chart-topping success of Nigerian artists underscores Afrobeats’ cultural power and global influence.
From the streets of Lagos to the world’s biggest music festivals, Afrobeats continues to unite people from all walks of life, becoming a bridge between Africa and the rest of the world.
Beyond Afrobeats: Africa’s diverse musical landscape
Nigeria’s Afrobeats isn’t the only African sound making global waves. South Africa’s Amapiano, led by artists like Grammy-winning Tyla, the second most streamed Africa artist globally. The “Queen of Popiano” is captivating audiences worldwide with her infectious rhythms and pop sensibilities.
The North African music scene is also making waves. Algerian-born, French-raised Soolking blends Arabic melodies with French rap, creating a dynamic sound that resonates with fans globally. Meanwhile, Morocco’s ElGrandeToto uses his rap as a platform to address social issues, with his unique style catching the attention of listeners from all corners of the world. Egypt’s Sherine, with her soulful voice, transcends language barriers, bringing Arabic pop into the international spotlight.
And then there’s Amaarae, the American-Ghanaian artist whose Afrofuturism vision is pushing musical boundaries.
The future of African music
African music is on the rise, attracting global audiences with its catchy rhythms and innovative sounds. As Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other genres continue to evolve, African artists will continue to break barriers and inspire a new generation of musicians worldwide.
Please see below the list of Top 20 most streamed African artists globally:
| Artist | Country | Rank |
| Burna Boy | NG | 1 |
| Tyla | ZA | 2 |
| Ayra Starr | NG | 3 |
| Rema | NG | 4 |
| Tems | NG | 5 |
| Asake | NG | 6 |
| Omah Lay | NG | 7 |
| Wizkid | NG | 8 |
| Davido | NG | 9 |
| Soolking | DZ | 10 |
| Fireboy DML | NG | 11 |
| Victony | NG | 12 |
| Kizz Daniel | NG | 13 |
| Bnxn | NG | 14 |
| Seyi Vibez | NG | 15 |
| ElGrandeToto | MA | 16 |
| Sherine | EG | 17 |
| CKay | NG | 18 |
| Ruger | NG | 19 |
| Amaarae | GH | 20 |