African music continues to scale global heights as Spotify announces a record surge in royalty payouts to artists from Nigeria and South Africa — two of its biggest markets on the continent. According to the platform’s latest data, artists from both nations collectively earned approximately $59 million in royalties in 2024, reflecting growing international appetite for Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African genres.
The milestone marks a significant leap in revenue compared to previous years, signaling that African creators are not just shaping global music trends, but also reaping the financial rewards of digital consumption. Nigeria, led by global stars like Burna Boy, Tems, and Rema, dominates streaming charts worldwide, while South Africa’s Amapiano wave continues to influence clubs and playlists across Europe and the U.S.
Spotify’s head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, noted that the growth highlights “a critical shift in how African music is perceived, consumed, and monetized globally.” This uptick is also linked to Spotify’s increased investment in local curation, editorial support, and strategic artist partnerships. 
With mobile internet access expanding across Africa and more listeners streaming on platforms than ever before, local artists are no longer limited by geography. They now have the opportunity to build global audiences while earning sustainable income from their creative work.
As streaming continues to reshape the African music industry, the spotlight is firmly on the continent’s talent. With royalty earnings rising and fan bases expanding across continents, this is more than just a win for Nigerian and South African artists — it’s a defining moment for the African creative economy.
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