The wait is over, Spotify Wrapped has arrived. 2024 has been a year of musical exploration and cultural discovery. With Spotify Wrapped 2024, South Africans can now relive their unique listening journey. From the infectious beats of Amapiano to the soothing sounds of traditional music, and beloved podcasts, this year has been a sonic adventure fueled by passionate listeners. Let’s reflect on a year of growth, innovation, and cultural celebration.
Every streamed minute tells a story and in 2024, you were the main character. You can relive every high, every low, and every unforgettable moment through the audio that defines your year. Whether it’s Amapiano hits, Afrobeat sensations, soulful ballads in your native language, or your favourite podcast show, you experienced the best of South African sounds.
The rise of local sounds
2024 was not just about global hits; it was the year for local sound to shine brighter than ever. This progress is reflected in a remarkable 93% growth in local music consumption and the rise of local sounds. The demand for local music is undeniable, with artists like Kabza De Small, TitoM, Uncle Waffles, and Mthandeni SK becoming the heartbeat of the nation. Mthadeni, the Maskandi sensation, takes the fifth spot on the most streamed song of 2024, marking a win for Maskandi fans and the Zulu culture that has always rooted for their own. Amapiano remains at the centre of South Africa’s music scene, solidifying its position as the defining genre of 2024.
Kabza De Small’s dominance in South Africa’s music scene
As expected from someone of his immense talent, Kabza De Small has once again topped the most streamed lists this year. The self-proclaimed “King of Amapiano” has established himself as a South African icon and a global phenomenon. Music lovers continued to embrace his existing hits, making him the most streamed local artist in South Africa this year.
In addition to claiming the most streamed local artist title, Kabza De Small’s album titled *ISIMO*, was recognised as the most streamed album. He also occupied multiple spots on the Most Streamed Songs list in South Africa.
South African queens make waves
This year also saw female artists making huge strides in the South African music scene, with Tyla and Lwah Ndlunkulu leading the charts for the most streamed albums. These two powerhouses have dominated the music scene, inspired countless fans, and reshaped the industry, proving that the future is undoubtedly female. Tyla and Lwah Ndlunkulu exemplify the creativity and diversity within South African music and are paving the way for future generations of female artists.
Podcasts on the rise in Mzansi
With more than 2 billion minutes streamed on podcasts, podcasting in South Africa has solidified itself as one of the fastest-growing mediums for storytelling, education, and entertainment. Podcast and Chill with MacG leads the charge locally at number five of the most streamed podcast list, two spots behind South African-born Trevor Noah’s What now? With Trevor Noah.
Here’s what the Spotify Wrapped data says about South Africa’s listening habits in 2024:
- South Africans love their local music, with local music consumption showing exponential growth since 2023, increasing by 93%.
- With Trevor Noah’s Podcast and Tyla making it to the most streamed list, South Africans stay true to their own regardless of where they are.
- Traditional culture and vibes collide: Maskandi artists make it to the top streamed lists in South Africa.
- Amapiano reigns supreme, again.
Eligible users can explore their personalised 2024 Wrapped experience that showcases their listening habits and favourite tracks from this year on the Spotify mobile app for iOS and Android. Users can also share their Wrapped results across messaging apps and their favourite social platforms. With Spotify’s new sharing integration with TikTok, sharing Wrapped results on TikTok’s For Your Page and Stories is now easier than ever.
Here’s the full breakdown of the top streamed by South Africans on Spotify this year.
| MOST STREAMED ARTISTS IN SA | MOST STREAMED ALBUMS IN SA | MOST STREAMED SONGS IN SA |
| Drake | Kabza De Small -Isimo | Kabza De Small – Imithandazo (feat. Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine & Umthakathi Kush) |
| Kabza De Small | Chris Brown – 11:11 | TitoM – Tshwala Bam (feat. S.N.E & Eeque) |
| Kelvin Momo | Kelvin Momo: Kurhula | Benson Boone – Beautiful Things |
| Chris Brown | Tyla – TYLA | DJ Stokie – Masithokoze |
| DJ Maphorisa | SZA – SOS | Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us |
| Kendrick Lamar | Lwah Ndlunkulu -Imizwa | Mthandeni SK – Paris |
| The Weeknd | Billie Eilish – HIT ME HARD AND SOFT | Kelvin Momo – Amalobolo (feat. Stixx, Nia Pearl) |
| Future | Benson Boone – Fireworks & Rollerblades | Kabza De Small – Amazwe (feat. Mawhoo) |
| Travis Scott | Drake – For All The Dogs | Felo Le Tee – Yebo Lapho (Gogo) (feat. DJ Maphorisa & Djy Biza) – Spotify |
| J.Cole | Mlindo The Vocalist – Emakhaya | Uncle Waffles – Wadibusa (feat. Royal MusiQ, OHP Sage, & Pcee) |
| MOST STREAMED PODCASTS IN SA | MOST STREAMED FEMALE ARTIST IN SOUTH AFRICA |
| The Joe Rogan Experience | Taylor Swift |
| The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett | Billie Eilish |
| What Now? with Trevor Noah | SZA |
| Motivation Daily by Motiversity | Rihanna |
| Podcast and Chill with MacG | Beyonce |
| ShxtsNGigs | Nkosazana Daughter |
| Rotten Mango | Babalwa M |
| Huberman Lab | Ariana Grande |
| True Crime South Africa | Summer Walker |
| Bits of Infinity | Nicki Minaj |
