Spotify’s annual Wrapped list has once again showcased the vibrant and evolving South African music scene, reflecting a nation that continues to embrace its unique sound.
In 2024, local music consumption skyrocketed by an impressive 93 percent, highlighting a growing love and pride for homegrown talent. The Wrapped list is a celebration of the year’s most adored artists, creators, and tracks as enjoyed by Spotify subscribers, offering a detailed glimpse into South Africa’s dynamic musical preferences.
This year, amapiano reigned supreme, cementing its position as the defining genre of 2024. Dance tracks featuring infectious rhythms and soulful melodies have captivated audiences across the country.
Leading the amapiano charge are artists like Kabza De Small, TitoM, Uncle Waffles, and Mthandeni SK, whose hits have dominated dance floors and playlists alike.
Kabza De Small, often referred to as the “King of Amapiano,” has solidified his status as South Africa’s Most Streamed Local Artist for yet another year, becoming a cultural icon both locally and internationally.
Kabza De Small’s album Isimo was crowned the Most Streamed Album in South Africa, a testament to his artistic brilliance and mass appeal. Tracks from the album claimed multiple spots on the Most Streamed Songs list, further reinforcing his influence.
Joining him on the album charts were Chris Brown’s 11:11, Kelvin Momo’s Kurhula, Tyla’s self-titled album Tyla, and SZA’s SOS. On the Most Streamed Songs list, Kabza’s Imithandazo stood tall alongside TitoM’s Tshwala Bam, Benson Boone’s Beautiful Things, DJ Stokie’s Masithokoze, and Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us. Together, these hits shaped South Africa’s 2024 soundscape.
The Top 10 Most Streamed Artists list reflected a blend of local and international icons, including Drake, Kabza De Small, Kelvin Momo, Chris Brown, DJ Maphorisa, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Future, Travis Scott, and J. Cole. Female artists also made significant strides in 2024.
While Taylor Swift claimed the title of Most Streamed Female Artist in South Africa, she was closely followed by Billie Eilish, SZA, Rihanna, and Beyoncé. Local artists Nkosazana Daughter and Babalwa M also secured their places in the top ten, showcasing the growing recognition of South African women in music.
Podcasts also had a standout year in South Africa. Trevor Noah’s What Now? with Trevor Noah ranked as the third Most Streamed Podcast in the country, trailing global favorites like The Joe Rogan Experience and The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett.
Other popular listens included Motivation Daily by Motiversity and the homegrown Podcast and Chill with MacG. These shows reflect the diverse interests of South African listeners, from self-help and entrepreneurship to humor and cultural commentary.
As the year wraps up, Spotify users can dive into their personalized 2024 Wrapped experience, available on the Spotify mobile app. This feature allows listeners to relive their favorite tracks, artists, and genres, offering a nostalgic look at the music and moments that defined their year.
From amapiano’s continued dominance to the global influence of South African creators, 2024 has been a milestone year for music and audio culture in the nation.
