The Most Streamed Female Artists in Africa for 2024: Dominating Spotify Across the Continent

As 2024 unfolds, African music continues to make waves on the global stage, with genres like Afrobeats and Amapiano leading the charge. Digital streaming platforms, particularly Spotify, have played a pivotal role in amplifying African artists, with female musicians emerging as key trendsetters this year.

Groundbreaking Female Artists Shaping Africa’s Musical Landscape

This year, female artists have dominated the charts and shaped Africa’s musical future. According to Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, “2024 has been marked by the remarkable achievements of boundary-breaking women who are paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future for African music.” In particular, Nigerian female artists have emerged as leaders, setting the tone for a groundbreaking year.

Top Female Artists on Spotify in 2024

Leading the charge is Grammy-nominated Ayra Starr, whose album The Year I Turned 21 and global tour earned her recognition as the most streamed female artist in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Her unique fusion of Afropop and R&B has resonated with listeners worldwide, propelling her into international stardom.

In Ghana, Gyakie made a significant impact, securing the fourth spot among the most-streamed artists in her home country. Meanwhile, Tems, known for her soulful and powerful sound, ranked second in both Nigeria and Ghana, and fourth in Kenya.

Other Nigerian female artists making waves include Tiwa Savage, Bloody Civilian, and Spotify EQUAL ambassadors like Qing Madi, Simi, and Fave. These artists continue to push boundaries and shape the sound of

African music globally.

The EQUAL Programme: Empowering Women in Music

Spotify’s EQUAL programme has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of female artists. The global initiative, designed to promote equity and inclusivity in the music industry, has supported over 200 ambassadors in the past four years. This programme shines a spotlight on the diverse female talent emerging from Africa and beyond.

African Women Taking Over the Global Stage

African women are not just dominating the African charts but are also leaving their mark on the global music scene. Tems, a multi-award-winning artist known for her collaborations with international icons like Rihanna and Beyoncé, performed at the prestigious North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands this year. Her hit single Love Me Jeje secured a spot on Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Songs of 2024, ranking at No. 20.

Meanwhile, Tyla, an Amapiano sensation, garnered immense success at the 2024 BET Awards, taking home the most awards of the night. Her album TYLA achieved chart-topping success in countries such as Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Barbados, and Jamaica, solidifying her global presence.

Celebrating African Female Artists’ Global Influence

The global influence of African women continues to rise in 2024. Tems’ album Born in the Wild saw over 200,000 streams in Tokyo, while Ayra Starr’s The Year I Turned 21 amassed over 2 million streams worldwide, underscoring the growing international recognition of African female talent.

As African women continue to break barriers and shape the global music landscape, 2024 is set to be remembered as the year of the unstoppable rise of female artists in Africa. The year ahead holds even more promise for these talented women who are reshaping the future of music, both locally and globally.