Spotify report reveals soaring royalties for South African artists in 2024

The findings highlight the increasing influence and commercial success of South African music both at home and abroad. In 2024 alone, South African artists were discovered over 1.1 billion times by first-time listeners, a 55% increase from the previous year.

“We’re not just supporting South African artists, we’re revolutionising how they build sustainable careers”, Spotify managing director for Sub-Saharan Africa Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy said. “Our ecosystem empowers artists to earn equitably from their talent while driving a powerful wave of cultural innovation that resonates globally.”

The report notes a substantial rise in the number of South African artists earning significant royalties, with those making over R100 000 (about $5 170) or R500 000 doubling since 2022. One of the most striking trends is the growth in popularity of songs performed in indigenous languages. Since 2021, royalties from tracks in Zulu have increased by 112%, Sotho by 345%, and Afrikaans by 114%.

South African music is also making significant strides internationally, with a large portion of royalties now coming from global audiences. Currently, listeners around the world stream South African music for more than 600,000 hours daily. South African artists appear in over 220 million playlists on Spotify, 17 million of which are curated by South African users themselves.

Over the past three years, export consumption of South African music has risen by 104%, while domestic support has grown by an impressive 281%. Year-on-year, local streaming of South African music has increased by 96%, demonstrating a strong and growing national audience.

In 2024, more than 3,000 South African artists were added to Spotify’s editorial playlists, giving them increased visibility and helping them reach new audiences around the world.

Spotify’s Loud & Clear initiative is designed to bring transparency to streaming economics by explaining how revenue flows and payments are structured. By providing data insights, the platform aims to empower artists to make informed decisions about their careers.

South African music continues to earn critical acclaim internationally. A standout moment came when Tyla became the first African solo artist to surpass one billion Spotify streams with her hit single 'Water', a milestone that underscores the global appeal of African talent.

With growing royalty revenues, increased international attention, and a surge in domestic engagement, South Africa’s music industry is undergoing a transformative shift. Powered by streaming platforms, local innovation, and global demand, the future of South African music looks brighter than ever.