In recent years, African music has taken the world by storm, resonating with diverse audiences and adding vibrancy to playlists across the globe. As these melodious waves reach the ears of millions, platforms like Spotify have become pivotal in spotlighting African talent. Consequently, artists from this richly diverse continent are reaping tangible rewards, holding checks from the Swedish music giant thanks to their unique contributions.
Despite this success, Africa remains a relatively small slice of the vast royalty pie that Spotify dishes out annually. Consider this: in 2024, combined earnings from Nigeria and South Africa—Africa’s heavyweight music contenders—stood at a mere $59 million. This figure is but a drop in the ocean of Spotify’s hefty $10 billion global royalty payments.
It’s intriguing to note that there are about 250 million user-curated playlists featuring at least one Nigerian artist, and 220 million showcasing a South African artist, according to Spotify’s insightful data. How, then, do these playlists translate into such a minuscule fraction of total earnings? This pondering stirs a contrasting image of global recognition versus financial compensation.
Reflect on the impact these nations have had on the global music stage. They have birthed giants whose beats command international dance floors and whose lyrics resonate far beyond their borders. Among these luminaries, Tems, DJ Maphorisa, Tyla, Burna Boy, Rema, Davido, and Wizkid stand as legends, crafting a narrative that is both uniquely African and universally captivating. Each artist carries with them the stories of their roots, intertwined into melodies that speak to the heart.
“What we’re seeing is an excellent evolution around more and more mid-tier or up-and-coming artists making a living,” observed Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s managing director for Sub-Saharan Africa.
In a transformative year, as detailed in a Reuters article, Nigerian artists secured over 58 billion naira (equivalent to $38 million) in royalties—more than doubling their earnings from the previous year. South African musicians saw their fortunes rise too, with a 54% increase bringing their total to 400 million rand ($21 million).
A significant portion of these artists’ earnings flowed from beyond their home turf, underscoring the universal appeal of African rhythms. Over the past three years, Nigerian artists have seen a 49% surge in exports of their music, while South African artists have experienced an impressive 104% growth. It’s a testament not just to African music’s global reach but also to its infectious quality and ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
Reflecting on financial milestones, the number of Nigerian artists earning ten million naira annually has tripled since 2022. Similarly, South Africa witnessed a more than fourfold increase in artists earning between 100,000 and 500,000 rand. These figures paint a hopeful picture for emerging talents poised to step onto a larger stage.
The journey of African music is not without its challenges. Yet, it’s these very hurdles that fuel creativity and ignite a passion for storytelling. As the rhythm of African beats continues to pulse worldwide, one cannot help but wonder: what new melodies will echo from this creative continent next?
