Here are the most streamed female artists in Africa for 2024 across different countries on the digital streaming platform, Spotify.
Artists, fans, and creators have turned 2024 into a groundbreaking year for African music, with genres like Afrobeats and Amapiano dominating stages across Sub-Saharan Africa, driving global streaming trends, and inspiring vibrant cultural discussions.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the rise of female artists in shaping the year’s musical landscape, stating, “This year has been marked by the remarkable achievements of boundary-breaking women who champion a more inclusive and diverse future for African music.” Nigerian female artists, in particular, have shone brightly on the streaming platform.
Grammy-nominated Arya Starr led the charge with her album The Year I Turned 21, a global tour, and bold red-carpet appearances. Her distinctive blend of Afropop and R&B secured her position as the most streamed female artist in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Ghana’s Gyakie also made waves, earning the fourth spot among the most streamed artists in her home country.
Tems, known for her rich, soulful sound, claimed the second spot in both Nigeria and Ghana and ranked fourth in Kenya. Other Nigerian artists dominating the charts included Tiwa Savage, Bloody Civilian, and Spotify EQUAL ambassadors Qing Madi, Simi, and Fave.
Spotlight on the Spotify EQUAL Programme
The EQUAL programme, a global initiative designed to amplify women’s voices in music through playlists and promotions, has supported 200 ambassadors over its four-year run. These efforts aim to promote equity and greater representation of female talent in the music industry.
African Women Shaping the Global Stage
Female artists have been instrumental in spreading Afrobeats globally in 2024. Tems, a multi-award-winning artist who has collaborated with global icons like Rihanna and Beyoncé, performed at the prestigious North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands. Her hit song Love Me Jeje secured the No. 20 spot on Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Songs of 2024.
Popiano sensation Tyla achieved immense success, bagging the most awards at the 2024 BET Awards and earning three nominations at the 2024 MTV EMAs. Her album TYLA topped charts in countries such as Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Barbados, and Jamaica.
African women continue to leave their mark on the global music scene. Tems’ album Born in the Wild received over 200,000 streams in Tokyo, while Ayra Starr’s The Year I Turned 21 garnered over 2 million plays worldwide, cementing their impact on the international stage.
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