Women’s Month: Spotify shines light on female artists in SA

These musicians, Spotify said, have made significant contributions to the music industry, inspiring fans and earning recognition on the global stage. The initiative seeks to highlight some of the most remarkable and emerging female musicians in South Africa, whose music continues to break barriers. By sharing their inspiring stories, Spotify aims to honour these women and motivate the next generation of female musicians.

The celebration kicked off on National Women’s Day, on 9 August, and will continue throughout the remainder of the month, following the traditional observance of Women’s Month. It seeks to commemorate 20 000 brave women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in 1956, protesting against restrictive laws.

“As part of the commitment to elevate the voices of female musicians and bridge the gender inequality gap in the music industry, Spotify is highlighting some of the most remarkable and emerging female musicians in South Africa whose music continues to break barriers,” Spotify said.

Below is the list female artists celebrated by Spotify:

In South Africa

• TYLA – Tyla
• Unusual – Xolly Mncwango
• Kwakhanya – Azana
• Sankofa – Thandiswa
• nomthandazo – Zoë Modiga
• Rainbow – Lady Zamar
• Synthetic Hearts Part II – Msaki
• Difela, Vol. 2 – Dr Winnie Mashaba
• Sarang / 사랑 – Sio
• Thobekile – Thobekile

Globally

• TYLA – Tyla
• Unusual – Xolly Mncwango
• Kwakhanya – Azana
• Sankofa – Thandiswa
• nomthandazo – Zoë Modiga
• Rainbow – Lady Zamar
• Sarang / 사랑 – Sio
• Synthetic Hearts Part II – Msaki
• Difela, Vol. 2 – Dr Winnie Mashaba

Top 5 cities streaming albums by South African female artist from January to July 2024

• Johannesburg
• Jakarta
• Pretoria
• Lagos
• Durban

Most streamed South African female artists outside South Africa

• Tyla
• Cordelia
• Sho Madjozi
• Kanyi Mavi
• Moonchild Sanelly

Top 5 Albums released in 2024 by South African female artists

• Tyla – TYLA
• Xolly Mncwango – Unusual
• Azana – Kwakhanya
• Thandiswa – Sankofa
• Zoë Modiga – Nomthandazo