Makhadzi is the most streamed South African female artist

[Cape Town] 29 November 2023 – Spotify Wrapped 2023 demonstrated that South Africans are consuming more local songs, compared to 2022. Spotify Wrapped is the streaming giant’s thorough look into the music and podcasts that defined the year for South African users. 

Spotify Wrapped 2023 shows that local users are listening to more and more local songs and South African artists are resonating with users across the country. The improvement is also evident in the consumption. Local music consumption has grown exponentially, increasing by 101% in 2023. 

Tyler ICU’s Mnike and Lady Amar’s Hamba Juba lead the most streamed songs in South Africa, in a list dominated by local songs. Nine out of ten of the top streamed songs in South Africa are all South African, a major difference from the two previous years when international songs dominated the list. On the same token, the top streamed song; Tyler ICU’s – Mnike (feat. DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA & Tyron Dee) also tops the most added song to user-generated playlists list. 

“The South African music industry is evolving and growing with every song released. We are glad to see the local creators resonating with South African users,” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa’s Head of Music. 

The search function on Spotify is one of the key tabs of discovery for many users. Its intuitive searching capabilities in South Africa landed Kelvin Momoon the second most searched artist list behind Drake. In addition, Drake’s Slime You Out (feat. SZA) is the number one most shared song on Instagram. South African users like to share what they are listening to, especially on social media. Correspondingly, Drake and SZA are the top two most shared artists on the same platform. The majority of the social platforms’ users, 18-24-year-olds listen to more non-South African artists than 25-34-year-olds. However, they have one artist in common, Drake, who tops both their lists.

The local resonance can also be attributed to artists’ innovation, for example, Sjava and Big Zulu’s partnership. The duo named Inkabi Zezwe who released their first album project this year, appear in two lists. Their single Umbayimbayi sits at number ten on the most streamed South African songs in SA, while the album, Ukhamba makes an appearance at the same spot on the most streamed albums in SA list. Sjava also appears in two lists. He is the third most streamed South African artist in SA and his album Isibuko, is the third most streamed South African album in SA. The duo’s appearance on the Bhinca culture-leaning playlist Bhinca Nation can be one of the reasons they featured in the two lists. Bhinca Nation is the fifth most streamed South African playlist. The playlist rounds up the top five most streamed South African playlists in SA led by Amapiano Grooves. Other playlists on the list include Made In South Africa, Afrikaanse Hits, and Hot Hits South Africa. 

Amapiano continues to dominate the lists. The most streamed songs are Amapiano songs, and the top two on the most streamed South African artists list are Amapiano artists. Kabza De Small remains the most streamed South African artist for the second year in a row, with two of his projects KOA II Part 1 and The Konka Mixtape : Sweet & Dust respectively rounding up the top 5 most streamed South Africa albums in SA. Furthermore, Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa are the only two South African artists to feature in the top ten most streamed artists overall in South Africa, ranking second and third after Drake. 

Male artists are still dominating the most streamed lists, however, female artists are making notable progress in average streams overall. The average streams year on year increase is at 49%. Female Amapiano artist Lady Amarappears on the most streamed South African songs in SA list. While Taylor Swift leads the most streamed female artists in South Africa, Makhadzi is the most streamed South African female artist, followed by Ami Faku with Nkosazana Daughter, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Nomfundo Moh, MaWhoo rounding up the top five, respectively. Lwah Ndlunkulu also appears in the top ten on the most searched South African artists. 

South Africa’s top exported list features Master KG, Black Coffee, Lucky Dube and Lebo M. 

On the podcast side, Wisdom & Wellness with Mpoomy Ledwaba is the most streamed South African female-led podcast in SA. Podcast and Chill with MacG retains its number one spot on the most streamed South African podcast in SA list. 

Eligible users can access their personalized 2023 Wrapped experienceexclusively in the Spotify mobile app (iOS and Android) and also this year, via web view on mobile or Desktop by heading to Spotify.com/Wrapped. 

Additionally, Spotify has also launched its Wrapped creator experience for podcasters and artists.  With access to their own individualized Wrapped microsite experience, creators can dive into all the ways in which their fans listened this year. Check out Spotify for Artists and Spotify for Podcasters to learn more.

The full breakdown of South Africans streamed on Spotify this year

MOST STREAMED SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS IN SA	MOST STREAMED ARTISTS IN SA	MOST STREAMED SONGS IN SA	TOP EXPORTED SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS
Kabza De Small	Drake	Tyler ICU – Mnike (feat. DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA & Tyron Dee)	Master KG
DJ Maphorisa	Kabza De Small	Lady Amar – Hamba Juba (feat. JL SA, Cici, Murumba Pitch)	Black Coffee
Sjava	DJ Maphorisa	Soa Mattrix – Mina Nawe	Nomcebo Zikode
Kelvin Momo	The Weeknd	DJ Stokie – Awukhuzeki	DJ Maphorisa
Mellow & Sleazy	Taylor Swift	2Point1 – Stimela (feat. Ntate Stunna & Nthabi Sings)	Lebo M.
Nasty C	Chris Brown	Mas Musiq – Gangnam Style (feat. DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small)	The Kiffness
AKA	J. Cole	Mellow & Sleazy – Imnandi lento (feat. Tman Xpress)	Lucky Dube
Tyler ICU	21 Savage	Aymos – Fatela	Will Linley
Joyous Celebration	Travis Scott	Libianca – People	Kabza De Small
Aymos	SZA	De Mthuda – Sgudi Snyc	Nasty C

MOST STREAMED SOUTH AFRICAN SONGS IN SA	MOST STREAMED ALBUMS IN SA	MOST STREAMED SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS IN SA	MOST STREAMED SOUTH AFRICAN PODCASTSIN SA
Tyler ICU – Mnike (feat. DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA & Tyron Dee)	SZA – SOS	Kelvin Momo – Amukelani	Podcast and Chill with MacG
Lady Amar – Hamba Juba (feat. JL SA, Cici, Murumba Pitch)	Kelvin Momo – Amukelani	AKA – MASS COUNTRY

[Johannesburg, 22 November 2023]: Local sensation Riaan Benade and acclaimed country artist Ian Munsick have released the groundbreaking Spotify Single,”I’m On Fire”. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as the first-ever Spotify Single for a South African artist and showcases the power of music to bridge international borders.

The Spotify Singles release is part of an ambitious international campaign led by Spotify Africa in collaboration with Coleske Group in South Africa and Warner Music Nashville. It aims to expand the listenership of country music in South Africa.

“South Africa is a diverse country, something that is reflected by the kind of music we are known for including Afrikaans music. Collaborations like these highlight and amplify the music industry, and aids in exportation,” says Henco Harmse, Spotify’s Afrikaans Specialist Manager, Artist & Label Partnerships in South Africa. 

The artists chose to cover the iconic Bruce Springsteen song, creating a new take on the classic. The fusion of Ian Munsick’s smooth vocals and Riaan Benade’s gritty textures brings a fresh, captivating sound to the song. The collaboration showcases the power of technology as Riaan recorded his parts in South Africa (Pretoria), while Ian contributed from the U.S. (Nashville), with the musicians from both continents adding their unique touch to the track.

“I’m On Fire” is more than a song; it’s a symbol of unity and the limitless possibilities of music. Riaan Benade and Ian Munsick invite music enthusiasts to join them on this historic journey. Riaan Benade expresses his gratitude, stating, “Ian and myself both love Bruce Springsteen’s music. We instantly liked the idea of doing a country-style version of the song, and we hope that Bruce hears the cover and likes what we’ve done. We are extremely humbled and grateful for Spotify for the initiative.”

“I’m On Fire” aligns with the global resurgence of country music, seen in recent chart-topping triumphs on the Billboard Hot 100. Celebrating a triumphant year, country music’s significant recognition at the 2024 Grammy Awards, with multiple nominations, extends beyond accolades, emphasizing the genre’s influence internationally.

The release positions South Africa as a pioneer in the global country music scene, breaking new ground with this Spotify Single. The collaboration serves as a testament to the connective power of music, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries

[Johannesburg, 8 November 2023]:  Spotify is thrilled to announce Dunnie, the multi-talented Nigerian artist and producer, as its EQUAL Africa ambassador for the month of November. This announcement underscores Spotify’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the music industry.

Dunnie, born Dunni Alexandra Lawal, is a remarkable Afro-fusion singer, songwriter, and record producer who has captured the hearts of audiences with her soulful and melodious sound, earning her a dedicated fanbase. With an impressive musical background, Dunnie first gained recognition as a finalist on the popular music show ‘StarThe Winner Is’ in 2014. 

Since then, Dunnie has consistently exceeded expectations by writing, producing, and providing background vocals for both international and local award-winning artists such as Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Kidi, Falz, Oxlade, Becca, Busiswa, Sean Tizzle, and more.

She gained fame for her hit singles, including Overdosefeaturing Oxlade, Already Won featuring Chike, and her recent release, DND. Her past collaborations have been highly successful, leading to a nomination at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in 2021 for her outstanding feature in “Love Song” by Busiswa. Notably, Dunnie recently produced two songs, ‘Nobody Holy’ and ‘Dues,’ for Nigerian superstar Wande Coal’s latest album, “Legend or No Legend.” 

Dunnie expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “My experience working in a male dominated industry has been a learning curve, and although challenging, it’s been a blessing being part of the people breaking barriers in an uncharted territory. I am immensely honoured and grateful to be part of the EQUAL program, and I hope to inspire more women to know that they too can do whatever they put their mind to.”

Spotify remains committed to fostering diversity, equality, and inclusion within the music community, and its partnership with Dunnie as the EQUAL Africa ambassador is a testament to its dedication to this cause.

“We are delighted to have Dunnie as our EQUAL Africa ambassador for November. She embodies the spirit of diversity and creativity that we aim to champion with this initiative. Dunnie’s music has touched the hearts of many, and we believe that her story and her voice will inspire others within and beyond the African music community,” says Spotify’s head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu.

Explore Dunnie’s single Jalo on the EQUAL Africa playlist, and get to know more about her with our artist Q&A below:

1. What is that one surprising thing your fans might not know about you? 

I love cars, absolutely obsessed with cars, and I love old things, vintage houses, vintage cars, vintage fashion, old people. The older the item the better for me.

2. When did you realise that making music was in your destiny and what is your WHY for pursuing this craft? 

Music has always been a part of my life, but it was when I was in university I discovered I could actually make a living out of this, my WHY for making music is that music has been an integral part of my communication, as a child growing up, I struggled with expressing my emotions and thoughts verbally until I discovered music, and it became my safe haven where I could express in songs the things I couldn’t say with just words. That for me is the primary reason I make music. The icing on the cake is when other people can relate with what I’m saying.

3. Which African songs or artists did you grow up listening to? 

I grew up listening to Asa, Sunny Ade, Fela kuti, Flavour and a few others.

4. To someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe the sound, tone, and style? 

I describe my music as a fusion of Afrobeats, soul and high life sounds. Groovy percussive beats, ethereal soulful singing and infectious melodies and harmonies.

5. Any advice for someone dreading following their dreams? 

Starting is the hardest part, once you start it gets easier. Do not be scared of being told ‘No’, do not be scared of the obstacles, they will build your capacity. And lastly, it is a marathon not a race.

EARLY BIRD TICKET NOW AVAILABLE         

Polokwane, Limpopo – The multi talented global rising superstar artist, producer, songwriter and entrepreneur, Musa Keys officially announced his inaugural homecoming festival Detty December set to take place  in his hometown of Polokwane in Limpopo this festive season recently.

Confirmed to take place on Wednesday, the 27th  December at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium, Detty December is a one-of-a-kind music and lifestyle extravaganza that embraces the essence of the festive season. With plans to host an audience of over 40 000 festival goers, the festival will encompass a mega concert offering various music showcases from a topnotch curated lineup as well as an immersive cultural experience. 

Building up to the festival, Limpopo’s own Musa Keys plans to engage with his community to create activities that will give back to the community in various ways.

Celebrating a very successful year, including his first US tour, a certified gold single with Davido in the US and various music awards, Musa Keys is excited to come home and host the biggest homecoming festival in Limpopo. 

        “Having a strong family upbringing, nothing truly beats coming home for me. We have been blessed with a long fruitful year of building the Musa Keys brand across the globe. It feels so good to finally be back on homeground to celebrate with my entire city” Musa stated and added, “Honestly Detty December is a dream come true for me. As much as it’s a scary undertaking, together with my community and backed by my amazing team,  we are about to make history in Polokwane. 

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DETTY DECEMBER 

Date           :      Wednesday, 27th December 2023
Venue        :      Peter Mokaba Stadium
Time           :     12pm until LATE
Tickets      :       Available NOW at Computicket

Males are streaming Spotify Rugby Musiek playlist than females

[Johannesburg] 26 Oct 2023 – When South Africa’s national rugby union team, the Springboks played, and won, against England on Saturday at the Rugby World Cup in France, on the music front, the Spotify playlist Rugby Musiek’s streams surged by 191%. The surge was not just limited to the Rugby Musiek playlist, searches for ‘rugby’ increased by 210% that same day in South Africa, and it seems the excitement was not just contained to the rainbow nation – globally, there was an increase of 82% for ‘rugby’ on Spotify.

The Rugby-focused playlist Rugby Musiek consists of new and well-known Rugby-themed and patriotic songs such as Nkalakatha by Mandoza, Siya Kolisi by Robbie Wessels, and Saam Suid-Afrika by prominent Afrikaans musician Anlia Star (wife to Eben Etzebeth, the team’s lock) alongside fellow artists Robbie Wessels and Karlien Van Jaarsveld. The latter covers the playlist.   

Since its launch, the playlist has seen more males, at 68%, leaning towards it than females. The data is not far off from the norm witnessed at stadiums during the Currie Cup, the domestic rugby union competition where most of the fandom is often male. 

“Sport unites people, and by the same token, music is universal. The Rugby Musiek playlist captures the spirit of unity, and this is possibly why South Africans turned to it to celebrate this win”, says Henco Harmse, Spotify’s Afrikaans Specialist Manager, Artist & Label Partnerships in South Africa. 

From an age group perspective, 35-55+ year olds who likely watched the 2019 Rugby World Cup excitedly as the  Springboks took home the cup, are in the top three age groups streaming the playlist. 35-44 lead the pack at 28% followed by 45-54 at 19% then 30-34 and 55+ at 14% respectively. 

“Post-streaming music, and culture at large crossed borders across the world with playlists as one of the conduits facilitating discovery on-platform”, he says.

Popular Afrikaans music artist Riaan Benadé leads the all-time streams in South Africa and makes an appearance on the global all-time streams. On the South African front, two of his songs, Spontaanand Vat ‘n Bietjie are at number one and three. American band TOTO’s Africa,  Irene-Louise Van Wyk’s Tekkies Brand, and Elandré’s Vuur Op Die Water round up the top five. Globally,  TOTO’s Africa is on the top of the top five list with Right Said Fred’s You’re My Mateand Stand Up for the Champions right behind followed by Riaan Benadé’s aforementioned songs. 

The Rugby World Cup comes to an end this coming weekend with the defending champions Springboks taking on New Zealand. 

Check out the Rugby Musiek playlist on Spotify