Article / Entertainment

Spotify Wrapped 2024 Shines a Spotlight on South Africa's Exploding Music Scene

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BY Abraham Ofori-Henaku

25-Feb-2025

Spotify’s highly anticipated Wrapped 2024 has highlighted a thriving and dynamic South African music scene, confirming that local artists are not only dominating domestic charts but also gaining global recognition. With music consumption in South Africa surging by an impressive 93% this year, the country's vibrant soundscape has captured the hearts of listeners, showcasing a rapidly growing cultural phenomenon.



Leading the way is the unmistakable presence of amapiano, a genre that has taken the world by storm, cementing its position as South Africa's defining sound of 2024. Artists like Kabza De Small, Uncle Waffles, TitoM, and Mthandeni SK are now synonymous with the genre’s global success, infusing local dance floors and playlists with infectious beats that have become the soundtrack of the year.



Kabza De Small, often dubbed the King of Amapiano, continues to be a dominant force in the industry. His album “Isimo” has earned the title of South Africa's Most Streamed Album, with his tracks repeatedly securing spots on the Most Streamed Songs list. His influence stretches beyond local borders, as his music resonates with listeners globally, furthering South Africa’s position as a key player in the world music scene.



This year’s Wrapped also highlights other genre-defying talents, with South African artists contributing to the diverse mix of the most-streamed albums. Alongside Kabza De Small, Kelvin Momo’s “Kurhula” and Tyla’s self-titled debut album have been lauded for their innovative sounds, marking them as key players in the country’s music evolution. International artists like Chris Brown, SZA, and Kendrick Lamar have also made their mark, but it’s South Africa's homegrown talent that continues to shine brightly.



While amapiano dominates the airwaves, the South African music scene is far from one-dimensional. Hip hop, led by artists such as Nasty C, remains influential both locally and internationally, proving the genre’s versatility and global appeal. As local artists gain widespread recognition, South Africa’s music continues to shape global conversations, showcasing the country as an epicenter for musical creativity.



Female artists have also made significant strides in 2024. International stars like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish continue to reign as top-streamed female artists in South Africa, but local acts such as Nkosazana Daughter and Babalwa M are proving their mettle, breaking into the top ten and establishing themselves as formidable forces in the local music industry. This ongoing competition between local and international female artists highlights the diversity and power of South African talent, with these artists pushing boundaries and creating waves across multiple genres.



In the podcasting realm, South African comedian and TV host Trevor Noah continues to capture the attention of global audiences with his show, “What Now? with Trevor Noah.” His podcast secured the third spot for the Most Streamed Podcasts in South Africa, trailing behind the immensely popular “Joe Rogan Experience” and “The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett.” With engaging content that resonates with listeners, Noah’s podcast has become a must-listen for South Africans and international audiences alike.



Spotify Wrapped 2024 also offers a personalized experience for listeners, allowing South African subscribers to revisit their top tracks, favorite artists, and listening habits.


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BY ABRAHAM OFORI-HENAKU

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