Music

Afrobeats to Amapiano hitmakers to look out for The Amapiano movement saw new acts like Scotts Maphuma and singer-songwriter Zee Nxumalo shine bright, with respective hits Yebo Lapho and Thula Mabota. These tunes stood out for fans and brought the pair to the top two spots on their local breakout artists lists. DJ duo Shakes & Les follow thanks to their electro-amapiano-infused debut album MKHAYA, which attracted new fans and propelled them to be the third most discovered artists in South Africa according to Spotify data. Soweto-born vocalist Lee McKrazy was one of the most featured artists of 2024, making him a hitmaker to look out for this year. Nigeria’s embrace of Amapiano could see even more collaborations in the new year. As the second-highest Amapiano consumer with over 50 billion streams, Nigeria’s artists are giving local fans what they want by working Amapiano elements into genres like Afrobeats. Songs like Are You There, by leading breakout artist Ayo Maff are further signs of this trend. The self-proclaimed Prince of the Street is a performer to watch out for in 2025. Tml Vibez’s piano-driven rhythms and hymn-like melodies took second place in Nigeria’s breakout artists list. BoyPee won hearts and feet and the third breakout artist position with his infectious mix of Afro Soul, Afro Pop, and traditional sounds. Tracks like Ogechi with Davido, illustrate the musical blends that make BoyPee an artist to look out for this year. Afrobeats star KAESTYLE is Nigeria’s fourth-ranking new musician, thanks to his feel-good anthems dedicated to joy, unity and resilience. And Llona’s passionate Afropop songs, like Cold War with compatriot FAVE, reflected the challenges and aspirations of his growing fanbase – earning him fifth place on Spotify’s breakout artists charts. Gospel, Rap and Arbantone hitmakers to know Beyond Amapiano and Afrobeats sounds, Durban-born rapper Usimamane got South Africa’s hip-hop heads saying his name with his breakthrough single Cheque. Getting together with familiar names like YoungstaCPT, ANATII and K.O made sure his debut album would turn heads and establish Usimamane as an exciting prospect for the continent’s rap scene. Rapper and producer King Paluta’s dynamic blend of traditional rhythms and hiplife made him a name to be reckoned with. Fans have gravitated to his bumping beats and confessional loverboy lyrics on songs like Makoma. At the end of 2024, he dropped his debut album, Give Time Some Time, giving fans more Reggae, Afrobeat, and Gospel-inspired sounds to sink into in the new year. Gospel sounds continue to prosper on the continent as groups like Team Eternity Ghana reached the masses in 2024. Starting as a fellowship of school students, they combine enchanting melodies with evangelical messages that resonate with spiritual song seekers. Tracks like Defe Defe which put them on the map, were remixed for genres like Drill, thus attracting younger fans who found the group through viral dance challenges.    Kweku Smoke uses religious metaphors and imagery on his Kewku Jesus and Born in Hell albums. His vibrant rap with lyrics in Twi, Pidgin and English made him a standout artist in 2024. He took on themes like the struggle between authenticity and a new identity as one rises to stardom. Asakaa and Drill-inspired singer-songwriter, Xlimkid, made a name for himself with party bangers like Valley of Trappers and the emotionally loaded Lonely Road.  Goodsin hitmaker Olivetheboy continued to ride the wave from his debut project Avanna, shaking up Ghana’s music scene in 2024 with the Deluxe release of the album. Being tapped for a feature on King Promise’s True To Self album allowed new listeners to discover Olivetheboy. Kenya’s Arbantone is expected to continue growing in popularity this year. Singer, dancer, and choreographer Sean MMG was one of the breakout names of the genre and fellow rapper YBW Smith also solidified his breakthrough with viral hits like Pop Like This. Lil Maina’s Genge urban sounds and Swahili, Sheng and English lyrics made him a household Arbantone name and one to keep an eye on this year. Spotify has also supported the growth of the genre through unique playlists showcasing new and established artists. These up-and-coming artists show the bright future that African music has ahead of it. From Afrobeats and Amapiano blends to linguistic fusions that connect with fans on emotional and spiritual levels, the continent’s sonic identity is more vibrant than ever. These artists should be on your radar as we look forward to the breakout hits of 2025.

Spotify today announced the launch of its ‘Detty December’ hub with playlists for December, a celebration of the vibrant festive season in West Africa and South Africa. The hub is a one-stop shop for all things Detty December, with curated playlists featuring the biggest hits and emerging sounds of the season. Users can find everything from Afrobeats and Amapiano anthems to chilled-out vibes for those much-needed recovery days.   “Detty December is a special time for our users in West Africa and ke Dezemba symbolises South Africa’s spirit of celebration,” said Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa. “We’re excited to be part of their celebrations with this dedicated hub and playlists, bringing them the best music to soundtrack their festive moments.” This unapologetic season of street jams, back-to-back concerts and endless summer fun has developed its own culture that draws diaspora and local fans alike. The curated sounds of Spotify’s Detty December hub will pay homage to the Lagos rooftop lounges, Accra’s beachside festivals and South Africa’s township tunes that keep people grooving.    In addition to the hub, Spotify has also launched a new playlist called ‘Songs of Detty December’. This playlist is a curated list from Spotify Africa’s editors on the songs predicted to dominate this year’s Detty December. From DJ Skelm’s Afro Tech sounds to Flytime Fest’s tour of songs that tell Africa’s aspirational stories, the hub will be the home of takeover playlists that display Africa’s diverse talent. Barrier-breaking Amapiano talent Kamo_ww has taken over a South African Summer playlist too.     Spotify is also partnering with supporting Jerk x Jollof, a popular event making its way to Africa for the first time, through its Frequency program – an initaitve that celebrates Black artistry and creativity. Held at The Ostrich event space, the Jerk x Jollof Cape Town takeover on New Year’s Day will feature DJs and artists such as TxC, DBN Gogo, Spinall, Sarz and Odeal, merging the spirit of Detty December and ke Dezemba experiences and bringing South and West African cultures and artists together.   “We’re committed to supporting African music and culture,” said Okumu. “We believe that music is a powerful way to bring people together, and we’re excited to be part of the Detty December celebrations.” You can keep the good vibes going as you make your way to the hotel, beach or next Detty December party with Spotify’s curated and immersive sound selection. Discover something new or run the year’s best party anthems back on your app today. 

The wait is over, Spotify Wrapped has arrived. 2024 has been a year of musical exploration and cultural discovery. With Spotify Wrapped 2024, South Africans can now relive their unique listening journey. From the infectious beats of Amapiano to the soothing sounds of traditional music, and beloved podcasts, this year has been a sonic adventure fueled by passionate listeners. Let’s reflect on a year of growth, innovation, and cultural celebration. Every streamed minute tells a story and in 2024, you were the main character. You can relive every high, every low, and every unforgettable moment through the audio that defines your year. Whether it’s Amapiano hits, Afrobeat sensations, soulful ballads in your native language, or your favourite podcast show, you experienced the best of South African sounds. The rise of local sounds  2024 was not just about global hits; it was the year for local sound to shine brighter than ever. This progress is reflected in a remarkable 93% growth in local music consumption and the rise of local sounds. The demand for local music is undeniable, with artists like Kabza De Small, TitoM, Uncle Waffles, and Mthandeni SK becoming the heartbeat of the nation. Mthadeni, the Maskandi sensation, takes the fifth spot on the most streamed song of 2024, marking a win for Maskandi fans and the Zulu culture that has always rooted for their own. Amapiano remains at the centre of South Africa’s music scene, solidifying its position as the defining genre of 2024. Kabza De Small’s dominance in South Africa’s music scene  As expected from someone of his immense talent, Kabza De Small has once again topped the most streamed lists this year. The self-proclaimed “King of Amapiano” has established himself as a South African icon and a global phenomenon. Music lovers continued to embrace his existing hits, making him the most streamed local artist in South Africa this year. In addition to claiming the most streamed local artist title, Kabza De Small’s album  titled *ISIMO*, was recognised as the most streamed album. He also occupied multiple spots on the Most Streamed Songs list in South Africa. South African queens make waves  This year also saw female artists making huge strides in the South African music scene. with Tyla and Lwah Ndlunkulu leading the charts for the most streamed albums. These two powerhouses have dominated the music scene, inspired countless fans, and reshaped the industry, proving that the future is undoubtedly female. Tyla and Lwah Ndlunkulu exemplify the creativity and diversity within South African music and are paving the way for future generations of female artists. Podcasts on the rise in Mzansi With more than 2 billion minutes streamed on podcasts, podcasting in South Africa has solidified itself as one of the fastest-growing mediums for storytelling, education, and entertainment. Podcast and Chill with MacG leads the charge locally at number five of the most streamed podcast list, two spots behind South African-born Trevor Noah’s What now? With Trevor Noah.   Here’s what the Spotify Wrapped data says about South Africa’s listening habits in 2024: South Africans love their local music, with local music consumption showing exponential growth since 2023, increasing by 93%.  With Trevor Noah’s Podcast and Tyla making it to the most streamed list, South Africans stay true to their own regardless of where they are.  Traditional culture and vibes collide: Maskandi artists make it to the top streamed lists in South Africa.  Amapiano reigns supreme, again.  Eligible users can explore their personalised 2024 Wrapped experience that showcases their listening habits and favourite tracks from this year on the Spotify mobile app for iOS and Android. Users can also share their Wrapped results across messaging apps and their favorite social platforms. With Spotify’s new sharing integration with TikTok, sharing Wrapped results on TikTok’s For Your Page and Stories is now easier than ever. Here’s the full breakdown of the top streamed by South Africans on Spotify this year.   MOST STREAMED ARTISTS IN SA MOST STREAMED ALBUMS IN SA MOST STREAMED SONGS IN SA Drake Kabza De Small -Isimo Kabza De Small – Imithandazo (feat. Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine & Umthakathi Kush) Kabza De Small Chris Brown – 11:11 TitoM – Tshwala Bam (feat. S.N.E & Eeque) Kelvin Momo Kelvin Momo: Kurhula Benson Boone – Beautiful Things Chris Brown Tyla – TYLA DJ Stokie – Masithokoze DJ Maphorisa SZA – SOS Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us Kendrick Lamar Lwah Ndlunkulu -Imizwa Mthandeni SK – Paris The Weeknd Billie Eilish – HIT ME HARD AND SOFT Kelvin Momo – Amalobolo (feat. Stixx, Nia Pearl) Future Benson Boone – Fireworks & Rollerblades Kabza De Small – Amazwe (feat. Mawhoo) Travis Scott Drake – For All The Dogs Felo Le Tee – Yebo Lapho (Gogo) (feat. DJ Maphorisa & Djy Biza) – Spotify J.Cole Mlindo The Vocalist – Emakhaya  Uncle Waffles – Wadibusa (feat. Royal MusiQ, OHP Sage, & Pcee)  MOST STREAMED PODCASTS IN SA MOST STREAMED FEMALE ARTIST IN SOUTH AFRICA  The Joe Rogan Experience Taylor Swift  The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett Billie Eilish What Now? with Trevor Noah SZA Motivation Daily by Motiversity Rihanna Podcast and Chill with MacG Beyonce  ShxtsNGigs Nkosazana Daughter  Rotten Mango Ariana Grande  Huberman Lab Babalwa M True Crime South Africa Summer Walker  Bits of Infinity Nicki Minaj  

The talented and beautiful songstress Azana has done it again, blessing us with her latest single, “Shona Phansi.” This vibrant track, now available for streaming on YouTube, is already setting the tone for the festive season. With its infectious beats and Azana’s soulful vocals, “Shona Phansi” is guaranteed to get you on your feet, ushaya ama get down in true Mzansi style. Whether at a party or vibing at home, this song has the potential to dominate December playlists everywhere. Don’t miss out—stream “Shona Phansi” now and let the dancing begin!

Fans of Elaine are buzzing with excitement as the singer announced the upcoming release of her long-awaited album, Stone Cold Heart. In a heartfelt message, Elaine opened up about the emotional and creative journey that brought the album to life, saying, “I nearly lost my mind putting this album together, but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat if I had to.” Her words reflect the intensity and dedication poured into the project, leaving listeners eager to experience the raw and personal tracks she has promised. Elaine expressed deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to the making of Stone Cold Heart, acknowledging the immense support she received along the way. She shared how the songs in the album hold “the key to my heart and the truth behind all my pain,” offering a glimpse into the emotional depth that will likely define the album. The singer hinted that more will be revealed when she reconnects with her fans, creating anticipation for not just the music but the stories behind it. The upcoming release marks a significant chapter in Elaine’s career, as she navigates themes of love, pain, and personal growth through her signature soulful sound. Fans have long awaited this project, and Elaine’s words suggest that Stone Cold Heart is not just an album but a cathartic release of emotions that have been carefully translated into her art. Her openness about the struggles behind its creation only adds to the excitement and curiosity surrounding the project. In her final note, Elaine expressed her love and appreciation for her fans, writing, “Thank you for riding with me. This love and this life is a dream come true.” With those words, she reminded everyone of the unwavering connection she shares with her audience. As her “shining star” continues to rise, the release of Stone Cold Heart promises to be a pivotal moment, both for her and the fans who have stood by her side throughout her journey.

South African singer and actress Zolani Mahola recently took to her social media to share an exciting announcement with her fans. In a heartfelt post, she invited everyone to join her for an intimate concert dedicated to honoring the legacy of one of South Africa’s most revered leaders, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. This event, named the Desmond Tutu United 4 Humanity Concert, marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s history, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Tutu’s Nobel Peace Prize and 30 years of the nation’s democracy, social cohesion, and cultural diversity. The Desmond Tutu United 4 Humanity Concert is set to be a memorable evening filled with music and reflection. As a passionate advocate for social justice and unity, Mahola emphasized the importance of this event not just as a celebration, but as a powerful opportunity to support the ongoing work of the Tutu Foundation. The foundation’s education programs have been pivotal in uplifting communities and fostering a spirit of inclusivity, and this concert aims to raise funds to further these vital initiatives. Mahola’s enthusiasm for the event was palpable in her social media post, where she encouraged her followers to grab their tickets and be part of this unique experience. The concert will feature an incredible lineup of artists, promising an evening of powerful performances that honor Tutu’s enduring legacy. For Mahola, this concert is more than just a musical gathering; it’s a call to action for South Africans to come together in support of a cause that reflects the values of unity and compassion that Tutu championed throughout his life. As the date approaches, anticipation for the Desmond Tutu United 4 Humanity Concert continues to grow. Mahola’s invitation has resonated with many who admire Tutu’s contributions to South Africa and the world. This special evening promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, unity, and the enduring impact of one of the greatest leaders of our time.