Spotify Wrapped 2024: Kabza De Small is the most streamed SA artist

This year’s Spotify Wrapped paints a vivid picture of a year filled with musical exploration and cultural celebration. It underscored the rise of local music, with consumption increasing by an impressive 93% compared to 2023. South African artists such as Kabza De Small, TitoM, Uncle Waffles, and Mthandeni SK dominated the charts, cementing their status as the heartbeat of the nation.

Mthandeni SK, a maskandi sensation, made history with his hit ‘Paris’, which secured the fifth spot among the most streamed songs of the year. This achievement represents a win for the maskandi genre and the Zulu culture that fervently supports its artists. Amapiano continued to reign supreme, further solidifying its position as the defining genre of South Africa’s music scene.

Kabza De Small: King of the charts

Kabza De Small, the self-proclaimed ‘King of Amapiano’, emerged as the most-streamed local artist of 2024. His album ISIMO topped the charts as the most streamed album in South Africa, and several of his tracks claimed spots on the most streamed songs list. This dominance is a testament to Kabza De Small’s talent and enduring appeal, making him a national icon and a global phenomenon.

Women on the rise

Female artists have made remarkable strides this year. Tyla and Lwah Ndlunkulu led the charge, topping the charts with their respective albums. They have reshaped the music industry and inspired fans across the country, proving that the future of South African music is undeniably female. The two exemplify creativity and diversity in the South African music landscape, paving the way for future generations of female artists.

Below is a full breakdown of the top streamed by South Africans on Spotify this year:

Most streamed artists in South Africa

• Drake
• Kabza De Small
• Kelvin Momo
• Chris Brown
• DJ Maphorisa
• Kendrick Lamar
• The Weeknd
• Future
• Travis Scott
• J. Cole

Most streamed albums in South Africa

• Isimo – Kabza De Small
• 11:11 – Chris Brown
• Kurhula – Kelvin Momo
• TYLA – Tyla
• SOS – SZA
• HIT ME HARD AND SOFT – Billie Eilish
• Emakhaya – Mlindo The Vocalist

Most streamed songs in South Africa

• ‘Imithandazo’ – Kabza De Small ft. Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine & Umthakathi Kush)
• ‘Tshwala Bam’ – TitoM ft. S.N.E & Eeque
• ‘Beautiful Things’ – Benson Boone
• ‘Masithokoze’ – DJ Stokie
• ‘Not Like Us’ – Kendrick Lamar
• ‘Imizwa’ – Lwah Ndlunkulu
• ‘Paris’ – Mthandeni SK
• ‘Amalobolo’ – Kelvin Momo ft. Stixx, Nia Pearl
• ‘Amazwe’ – Kabza De Small ft. Mawhoo
• ‘Yebo Lapho (Gogo)’ – Felo Le Tee ft. DJ Maphorisa & Djy Biza
• ‘Wadibusa’ – Uncle Waffles ft. Royal MusiQ, OHP Sage, & Pcee

Most streamed female artists in South Africa

• Taylor Swift
• Billie Eilish
• SZA
• Rihanna
• Beyoncé
• Nkosazana Daughter
• Ariana Grande
• Babalwa M
• Summer Walker
• Nicki Minaj

Most streamed podcasts in South Africa

• The Joe Rogan Experience
• The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
• What Now? with Trevor Noah
• Motivation Daily by Motiversity
• Podcast and Chill with MacG
• ShxtsNGigs
• Rotten Mango
• Huberman Lab
• True Crime South Africa
• Bits of Infinity