Top African music industries

South Africa

Likely Africa’s most advanced music industry, the South African music landscape benefits from robust infrastructure, remarkable technological advancement, and a strong entertainment culture.

Propped by genres like amapiano, house, and traditional music, the industry has witnessed the rise of notable popstars who have not only achieved success domestically but have also made an impact on the global stage, including scoring Grammys.

The Copyright Act 98 of 1978 in South Africa caters to IP protection, while rights owners are represented by CMOs including Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO), and the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRO).

Revenue in the South African music industry is generated through various channels, including album sales, digital platforms, music festivals, and international tours. The industry’s value was estimated to be over R2 billion ($113 million) in 2020, according to a report by pan-African music business collective Sounds of the South. Traditional non-streaming sources of publishing revenue accounted for the majority of income, representing 75% of all revenue generated during that year.

Despite a global drop in collections, local collective management organisations in South Africa managed to return R900 million in royalties in 2020. The top three royalty collectors include SAMRO, CAPASSO, and SAMPRO [2].

Nigeria

The Nigerian music industry has risen to prominence both within Africa and on the global stage. A key driver of the Nigerian music industry’s success lies in the global explosion of Afrobeats. Renowned contemporary musicians like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, CKay, Rema and Tems have played a pivotal role in garnering international acclaim for the genre and Nigerian music as a whole.

As a result, Nigeria has also become a destination for global music companies, attracting entities such as Sony, EMPIRE, Boomplay, TuneCore, and ONErpm.

Revenue arrives through album sales, digital streaming platforms, brand endorsements, and live performances, with festivals such as Afro Nation significantly contributing to the promotion and exposure of Nigerian music on a global scale.

The Nigerian music ecosystem is characterised by a diverse range of stakeholders. With over 500 music producers, more than 1000 record labels (notably, Mavin Records, YBNL and Chocolate City), and over 50 radio stations in operation currently [3].

In Nigeria, the intellectual property (IP) landscape encompasses various organizations and legal provisions. IP-related activities are governed by the Copyright Act of 2023. The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), and the Music Copyright Society of Nigeria (MSCN) are prominent bodies involved in copyright management and protection. Additionally, the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) represents the interests of performing musicians.

According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) report “Engaging with Music 2022,” Nigerians dedicate an average of 30.4 hours per week to listening to music. The report further reveals that Nigerian pop, Nigerian hip hop/rap, Afrobeat, and Afrobeats rank among the top 10 genres globally. Notably, Nigerians exhibit diverse musical preferences, with Afrobeats, gospel, and Nigerian hip hop and rap standing as the most popular genres within the country[4].

Tanzania

Tanzania’s music scene is predominantly driven by bongo flava, which blends elements of hip hop, reggae, and traditional music.

The Copyright Society of Tanzania is responsible for safeguarding intellectual property rights within the music industry, enforcing copyright laws, and promoting a conducive environment for artists to thrive.

Tanzania has produced notable popstars who have achieved both local and international success. Artists like Diamond Platnumz, Rayvanny, and Harmonize have captured the attention of music lovers with their talent and captivating performances. These artists have played a pivotal role in elevating Tanzanian music onto the global stage, further contributing to the industry’s growth and recognition.

Revenue in the Tanzanian music industry is generated through various channels, including major digital streaming platforms (DSPs), live concerts, endorsement deals, and more.

Revenue in Tanzania’s music streaming market is projected to reach US$3.00 million in 2023, according to Statista. The market is expected to exhibit an annual growth rate of 9.47% (CAGR 2023–2027), resulting in a projected market volume of US$4.31 million by 2027. This indicates a promising trajectory for the Tanzanian music industry in the streaming sector[5].

Algeria

Algeria’s music industry draws inspiration from a diverse range of cultural influences, including Berber, Arab, Andalusian, and French traditions. This fusion of styles has given birth to distinct Algerian genres such as Raï, Chaabi, Kabyle, and Malouf.

Algeria is home to a talented roster of musicians who have gained recognition both domestically and internationally, notable among them being Djalil Palermo, Soolking, Mouh Milano, Foufa Torino, Mok Saib, Amine La Colombe, and Cheb Wahid.

The country boasts iconic music venues that serve as important cultural hubs. The Algiers Opera House and the Algerian National Theater Mahieddine Bachtarzi are renowned establishments that host various musical events.

Algeria is also home to major DSPs such as Spotify, Anghami, Apple Music, and Deezer.

Kenya

Kenya’s music industry has experienced impressive growth, driven by a vibrant music scene and advancements in technology, particularly in the realm of streaming. The emergence of popular popstars like Sauti Sol, Nyashinski, and Khaligraph Jones has played a significant role in the industry’s success.

Revenue in the Kenyan music industry is derived from various sources, including digital sales, concerts, corporate partnerships, and music licensing. However, there are pressing concerns that need to be addressed. The Music Associations Alliance of Kenya (MAAK) has called for a comprehensive review and amendment of the existing Act to tackle critical issues negatively impacting artists and copyright owners in the country. These concerns underscore the urgent need to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders in the industry.

The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) is responsible for licensing CMOs. In Kenya, such as the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK).

The music streaming market in Kenya shows great promise. According to Statista, the Music Streaming market in Kenya is projected to grow by 7.97% between 2023 and 2027, resulting in a market volume of approximately $27.34 million in 2027[6].

In December 2022, DSP Mdundo reported that its revenue exceeded KES 115 million, showcasing an impressive 161%, and had paid out KES 60 million, equivalent to 50% of its revenue[7].

Ghana

Ghana’s music industry has positioned itself as a key player in the African music scene, particularly due to its contributions to Afrobeats.

The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) serves as the country’s governing body for musicians and music professionals. Established in 1975, MUSIGA plays a crucial role in representing the interests of Ghanaian musicians and ensuring their welfare within the industry. The organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for its members, contributing to the overall development of the music industry in Ghana.

The Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) is responsible for collecting and distributing royalties on behalf of authors, composers, and other rights owners. This organization plays a vital role in ensuring that artists receive fair compensation for their creative works, further promoting the sustainability and growth of the Ghanaian music industry.

The rise of artists like Sarkodie, Def Jam signee Stonebwoy, and Empire act Black Sherif has played a significant role in shaping the industry’s recent successes.

Revenue generation in the Ghanaian music industry comes from various sources, including album sales, DSPs, concerts, and endorsements, and the country's hosting of globally recognised and diaspora-facing festivals such as Afro Nation, Afrochella (now Afro Future), and the Black Star Line Festival have no doubt further enhancing the country's prominence.

Overall, the future of African music hinges on prioritising copyright protection, enhancing internet infrastructure, lowering data costs, and fostering the growth of young talent. The continent's youthful population provides a promising opportunity for the industry, as they actively engage in music consumption and cultural expression. Thus, investing in talent development, music education, and supporting emerging artists will ensure that the industry can enjoy sustained growth and maintain its vibrancy.

References and citations

[1] https://dataxis.com/researches-highlights/726353/africa-a-breeding-ground-for-music-streaming-platforms-expansion/
[2] https://musicinafrica.net/magazine/sa-music-industry-valued-r2bn-2020-sots-report
[3] https://www.premiumtimesng.com/promoted/582338-how-big-is-the-nigerian-music-industry.html
[4] https://www.ifpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Engaging-with-Music-2022_full-report-1.pdf
[5] https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/digital-media/digital-music/music-streaming/tanzania
[6] https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/digital-media/digital-music/music-streaming/kenya
[7] https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/african-music-service-mdundo-monthly-active-users-reach-21-5m-up-107-yoy12/

Disclaimer: Music In Africa's Overviews provide broad information about the music scenes in African countries. Music In Africa acknowledges that the information in some of these texts could become outdated with time. If you would like to provide updated information or corrections to any of our Overview texts, please contact us at [email protected].