Deezer unveils most streamed female artists of 2019

Soul singer Ami Faku topped the list as Deezer’s most streamed South African female artist in 2019, followed by Lebo Sekgobela, Lady Zamar and Simmy. US singers Billie Eilish, Beyoncé and Ariana Grande were 2019’s top streamed global acts in South Africa, respectively.

“It’s an honour to work with the International Women’s Day charity for our third year,” Deezer senior artist marketing manager Marie Lallia said. “We need far greater equality in our industry but it’s not something that will get solved overnight. We want to make sure that female artists get promoted and highlighted.”

The streaming platform has also created various playlists aligned with International Women’s Day.

“We’ve curated dedicated playlists honouring and celebrating these inspirational ladies, and we’re making it super easy for you to discover (and champion!) our all-female line-up,” Deezer said. “We’ve asked the world’s biggest stars like Annie Lennox, Anne Marie and Anitta to name fellow female artists who inspire them the most.

“Starting today, you can listen to their special International Women’s Day playlists exclusively on Deezer. You might feel a musical kinship with Lolo Zouaï’ who looks up to Françsoie Hardy and Beyoncé, while Jade Bird’s inspiration comes from Robyn and Mazzy Star. Playlists will be front and centre on our homepage from now until 8 March, so you can support all your favourite female all-stars even beyond IWD.”

Partnerships director for International Women’s Day Glenda Slingsby said: “Great music can connect and empower women worldwide. Celebrating female artists not only inspires fans and future talent but also forges expectation around women's equal visibility.”

Meanwhile, Deezer has pledged to raise awareness for gender equality by adding the iconic purple IWD branding on its playlists, and by supporting IWD’s theme #EachForEqual.

South Africans can celebrate and show their love for their favourite Women of South Africa and Women of Africa by streaming the two dedicated playlists.

Most streamed South African female artists in 2019

1. Ami Faku
2. Lebo Sekgobela
3. Lady Zamar
4. Karen Zoid
5. Simmy
6. Ntokozo Mbambo
7. Zonke
8. Amanda Black
9. Juanita du Plessis
10. Hlengiwe Mhlaba

Most streamed international female artists by South Africans in 2019

1. Billie Eilish
2. Beyoncé
3. Ariana Grande
4. Taylor Swift
5. Halsey
6. Rihanna
7. P!nk
8. Camila Cabello
9. Lady Gaga
10. Selena Gomez

Most streamed international female artists globally in 2019

1. Marília Mendonça
2. Anitta
3. Ariana Grande
4. Billie Eillish
5. Lady Gaga
6. Angèle
7. Aya Nakamura
8. Camila Cabello
9. Rihanna
10. Beyoncé