AFRICAN music continued its meteoric rise in 2024, with Burna Boy, Tyla, and Ayra Starr leading the charge as Spotify’s most-streamed African artists globally. The year saw a blend of tradition and innovation as artists from across the continent reached unprecedented global heights.
Burna Boy: the unstoppable giant
Despite not releasing an album, Burna Boy maintained his superstar status through relentless touring, hit singles, and high-profile collaborations. From the remix of Tshwala Bam with TitoM and Yuppe to teaming up with Usher on Coming Home, Burna Boy’s influence was felt across genres. His electrifying performances kept fans hooked, reaffirming his position as Africa’s most-streamed artist in 2024.
Tyla: a breakout star
South Africa’s Tyla made history, becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Grammy’s new Best African Music Performance category. Her self-titled debut album, featuring stars like Gunna, Tems, and Travis Scott, propelled her to international acclaim. With hits like Shake Ah and performances at major events, including the Victoria’s Secret show, Tyla’s star power soared, earning her the second spot on Spotify’s list.
Ayra Starr: the celestial journey
Ayra Starr’s 2024 was monumental, marked by the release of her second album, The Year I Turned 21, which garnered over 800 million streams. Her collaborations and a global tour with Coldplay cemented her as a household name. Ayra’s infectious energy and genre-defying music made her the third most-streamed African artist worldwide.
A pan-continental wave
The rise wasn’t confined to West and Southern Africa. North African artists like Soolking and Sherine blended traditional sounds with modern beats, introducing the region’s music to global audiences. Rema, Tems, Yemi Alade, and others also continued to push boundaries, with Grammy nominations reflecting their growing influence.
Spotify’s top 20 most-streamed African artists in 2024:
- Burna Boy
- Tyla
- Ayra Starr
- Rema
- Tems
- Asake
- Omah Lay
- Wizkid
- Davido
- Soolking
- Fireboy DML
- Victony
- Kizz Daniel
- BNXN
- Seyi Vibez
- ElGrande Toto
- Sherine
- CKay
- Ruger
- Amaarae
The future of African music
With diverse sounds and compelling narratives, African artists continue to reshape the global music landscape. From Burna Boy’s global anthems to Ayra Starr’s soulful tunes and Tyla’s genre-bending artistry, the continent’s musicians are proving that Africa’s voice is essential in the world’s soundtrack.
African music’s global takeover is just getting started.
