Africa’s music industry is no longer an emerging force—it’s a global movement. And leading the charge in turning streams into steady incomes is audio streaming giant Spotify, which has become a powerful bridge between African artists and international audiences.
In 2024 alone, Spotify paid out approximately $59 million in royalties to artists from Nigeria and South Africa—its two biggest African markets. This marks a significant milestone in the continent’s digital music evolution, as rising stars and household names alike cash in on a wave of global enthusiasm for African soundscapes.
Streaming Is Big Business Now
Spotify’s global royalty payout hit a staggering $10 billion in 2024, showing just how much the streaming economy has matured. While Africa still accounts for a relatively small portion of the platform’s global earnings, its cultural impact far outweighs its current market share.
“More and more mid-tier or up-and-coming artists are now making a living from music,” said Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa. “This is no longer just about the top-tier names—it’s about an entire ecosystem thriving.”
The Rise of African Music on the Global Stage
Behind the numbers is a larger story about the global appetite for African music. Thanks to chart-topping stars like Burna Boy, Tems, and Tyla, the world’s ears are tuned in.
Spotify reported that:
- 250 million user-created playlists now feature at least one Nigerian artist.
- 220 million playlists include South African artists.
That’s not just impressive—it’s historic. It shows that African music is not only being streamed—it’s being integrated into the daily soundtracks of global listeners.
Related Story: Spotify Partner Program launched to Empower Creators and Enhance User Experience
Royalty Growth Is Real and Rapid
Let’s break down the business impact:
- Nigerian artists earned ₦58 billion ($38 million) in Spotify royalties in 2024—more than double the 2023 figure.
- South African artists received R400 million ($21 million)—a 54% increase year-on-year.
Even more promising? Much of this growth came from international audiences:
- Nigeria saw a 49% rise in music export growth over the past three years.
- South Africa doubled that with a 104% increase in exports.
In short, Africa isn’t just producing great music—it’s exporting a valuable product.
What It Means for Emerging Artists
Perhaps the most encouraging data lies in what this means for mid-level artists:
- The number of Nigerian artists earning ₦10 million or more from Spotify doubled year-on-year.
- In South Africa, artists earning between R100,000 and R500,000 have doubled in just three years.
This shift represents more than revenue—it represents economic empowerment for creative professionals who traditionally faced massive barriers to monetization.
Tech Meets Culture: A New Business Model
What we’re seeing is the intersection of tech, business, and entertainment in real time. Spotify has become more than a streaming platform—it’s a digital infrastructure for music entrepreneurship. It democratizes access, removes middlemen, and offers data-driven insights that help artists make smarter business decisions.
In effect, Spotify isn’t just paying artists—it’s enabling them to become global brands.
Nigeria and South Africa: Africa’s Streaming Superpowers
While other African nations are growing in digital music consumption, Nigeria and South Africa remain the continent’s streaming superpowers.
- Nigeria, with its vibrant Afrobeats scene, is setting the tone for a continental sound that’s crossing borders with ease.
- South Africa, with its Amapiano explosion and rich legacy of house music, is delivering global hits and sonic innovation.
Together, they’re shaping the identity of African music internationally, and platforms like Spotify are helping them scale faster and farther than ever before.
Beyond the Beats: What’s Next?
As the industry continues to grow, here’s what to expect:
- More local investment in artist development, distribution, and monetization.
- Enhanced AI-powered recommendations that promote African artists to global users.
- Expansion of Spotify for Artists tools that let musicians track income, audience, and engagement in real time.
And perhaps most importantly: Africa’s next music moguls may not come from record labels—they may come from data dashboards and digital platforms
