African music has evolved from a niche genre to a dominant force in the global music industry. Captivating audiences worldwide, it highlights the unique sounds originating from Africa. This article explores the rise of African artists, their impact, and their significant achievements on platforms like Spotify and Billboard.
African Music on the Global Stage
In recent years, African artists have achieved unprecedented success on global music charts and streaming platforms. 2022 was a landmark year for African artistes and the Afrobeats genre on the world stage. From selling out international arenas to winning awards and overwhelming the internet, African musical artistes took the world by a storm this year.
Billboard is continuing to expand its global footprint with the launch of Billboard Africa, which was announced Wednesday night (June 4) at our inaugural Global Power Players event in London. In partnership with Global Venture Partners, Billboard Africa will continue Billboard‘s commitment to highlighting major developments within the African music industry and embracing the continent’s diverse voices and rich stories through events, awards and exclusive multimedia content. The platform aims to become the leading hub for African music and culture, strengthening ties between artists and fans as well as the local music economy.
Spotify's Expansion and Impact on African Music
In March 2021, Spotify expanded into the African market, making their streaming platform accessible to millions of listeners in 38 countries (previously, the digital music company only operated in a couple of select countries). This expansion has significantly boosted the reach and recognition of African artists.
Here's a look at some of the top African artists based on Spotify monthly listeners:
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TOP 10 MOST LISTENED AFRICAN ARTISTS ON SPOTIFY
| Artist | Spotify Monthly Listeners |
|---|---|
| Rema | Over 31 million |
| Tyla | 28 million |
| Burna Boy | 18 million |
| Tems | 14 million |
Key Milestones and Achievements
Several African artists have achieved groundbreaking milestones, setting new records and paving the way for others.
- Wizkid: Wizkid is not only the first African artist, but one of the first artists ever to become a member of Spotify’s Billions Club - doing so when Drake’s “One Dance,” featuring the Nigerian hitmaker and Kyla, became the very first song to hit one billion streams on the platform in 2016. "One Dance" spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100, 18 weeks at No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, six weeks at No. 1 on Rhythmic Airplay and one week at No. 1 on Pop Airplay. It was featured on Drake’s 2016 Grammy-nominated album Views.
- Tems: Tems became the first African female artist to hit one billion streams on Spotify in February with Future‘s “Wait for U,” also featuring Drake. The song samples Tems’ “Higher” from her 2020 EP For Broken Ears and was featured on Future’s 2022 Billboard 200-topping album I Never Liked You. "Wait for U" hit No. 1 on the Hot 100, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Rhythmic Airplay. Tems became the first African-born woman to own an MLS team when she joined the San Diego FC ownership group as a club partner in February 2025.
- Tyla: Tyla became the first African solo artist to hit one billion streams on Spotify in February with her 2023 breakout hit “Water” from her 2024 self-titled debut album. The song, which included official remixes featuring Travis Scott and Marshmello, peaked at No. Afrobeats Songs (55 weeks), World Digital Song Sales (18 weeks), Dance/Mix Show Airplay (four weeks) and Rhythmic Airplay (one week) charts. Tyla won her first Grammy and the first Grammy in the augural best African music performance category for her 2023 smash “Water” in February 2024.
- Rema: Rema’s “Calm Down,” featuring Selena Gomez, became the first African-artist led song to hit one billion Spotify streams in September 2023. "Calm Down" peaked at No. Afrobeats Songs (for a record 59 weeks), World Digital Song Sales (32 weeks), Pop Airplay (five weeks), Rhythmic Airplay (four weeks) and Adult Pop Airplay (two weeks). “Calm Down” also won the inaugural best Afrobeats award at the 2024 MTV VMAs, as well as top Afrobeats song at the Billboard Music Awards and best collaboration at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Pioneering Achievements on Billboard Charts
African artists have also made significant strides on the Billboard charts, breaking records and achieving historic firsts.
- Hugh Masekela: Hugh Masekela became the first African artist to have a No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 with “Grazing in the Grass” in July 1968.
- CKay: CKay’s “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)” became the first No. Afrobeats Songs chart in March 2022.
- Davido: Davido became the first African artist to perform at the FIFA World Cup outside of Africa in December 2022.
- Black Coffee: Black Coffee became the first South African DJ to headline and sell out NYC’s Madison Square Garden in October 2023.
Spotlight on Key African Artists
Here’s a closer look at some of the top African artists who have been making waves globally:
- Wizkid: Wizkid, also known as Starboy, has undoubtedly become one of Africa’s biggest music exports. With hit songs like “Ojuelegba” and “Come Closer,” Wizkid has solidified his position as a trailblazer in the Afrobeat genre.
- Burna Boy: Known for his distinctive voice and Afrofusion style, Burna Boy has garnered international acclaim with his album “African Giant.” His music is a powerful blend of Afrobeat, dancehall, and reggae, earning him a loyal fan base worldwide.
- Davido: As one of the pioneers of Afrobeats, Davido has consistently delivered chart-topping hits and infectious anthems. His energy and charisma have made him a household name in the global music industry.
- Rema: As one of the youngest talents on this list, Rema has quickly risen to stardom with his unique blend of trap, afrobeat, and pop music. His hit singles “Dumebi” and “Woman” have showcased his versatility and creativity.
- Tyla: Tyla is a rising star in the South African music scene. Her soothing voice and captivating lyrics have garnered attention, and she continues to make a significant impact with her music.
- Tems: Tems’ soulful voice and emotive songwriting have earned her a dedicated following. Her breakout single “Try Me” captured the hearts of music lovers, and she continues to push boundaries with her genre-bending sound.
- CKay: With his catchy tunes and dynamic production, CKay has made a name for himself as a versatile artist and producer. His hit single “Love Nwantiti” has garnered millions of streams and solidified his status as a rising star.
- Fireboy DML: Fireboy DML’s soulful vocals and introspective lyrics have resonated with fans across the continent. His debut album “Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps” showcased his songwriting prowess and established him as a force to be reckoned with.
- Omah Lay: Omah Lay’s rise to fame has been nothing short of meteoric. His distinct sound, characterized by smooth melodies and relatable lyrics, has earned him a place among Africa’s most promising talents.
- Asake: Asake’s unique blend of Afrobeat and contemporary sounds has garnered attention in the music industry. His breakout single “Mr Money” has quickly become a fan favorite and showcases his potential for global success.
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