Kabza De Small. Picture: Enock Mbuyi
The year 2024 marked a stunning chapter in the South African music scene, witnessing an unprecedented surge in local sounds that resonated not just within the country, but echoed globally.
As highlighted by the newly released Spotify Wrapped 2024, South Africans have embraced a unique listening experience this year, characterised by a rich variety of genres, including Amapiano, traditional music, and a significant rise in podcast popularity.
This evolution underscores a cultural celebration resonant with passionate listeners across the nation.
South Africa’s listening habits in 2024
Genuine Local Love: South Africans displayed a deep affection for their local music, as evident by a staggering 93% rise in consumption since 2023.
Growing Presence of Female Artists: Female artists made significant strides, with Tyla and Lwah Ndlunkulu attaining top spots in the most streamed albums category, highlighting the immense talent within the female demographic.
Maskandi’s Influence: The top streaming lists bear testament to a cultural juxtaposition as Maskandi artists find a place amongst the most listened to. Kabza De Small reigns supreme as the most streamed artist, with his album Isimo topping the charts as the most played album.
Most Streamed Artists in 2024:
Kabza De Small
Kelvin Momo
Drake
Chris Brown
DJ Maphorisa
Kendrick Lamar
The Weeknd
Most Streamed Albums:
Kabza De Small - Isimo
Chris Brown - 11:11
Kelvin Momo - Kurhula
Tyla - TYLA
SZA - SOS
Lwah Ndlunkulu - Imizwa
Billie Eilish - HIT ME HARD AND SOFT
Benson Boone - Fireworks & Rollerblades
Mlindo The Vocalist - Emakhaya
Most Streamed Songs:
Kabza De Small - “Imithandazo” (feat. Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine & Umthakathi Kush)
TitoM - “Tshwala Bam” (feat. S.N.E & Eeque)
Benson Boone - “Beautiful Things”
DJ Stokie - “Masithokoze’’
Kendrick Lamar - “Not Like Us’’
Mthandeni SK - “Paris’’
Kelvin Momo - “Amalobolo’’ (feat. Stixx, Nia Pearl)
Kabza De Small - “Amazwe” (feat. Mawhoo)
Felo Le Tee - “Yebo Lapho” (feat. DJ Maphorisa & Djy Biza)
Uncle Waffles - “Wadibusa” (feat. Royal MusiQ, OHP Sage, & Pcee)
The rise of podcasts
Beyond the music charts, 2024 has also heralded the meteoric rise of podcasts in South Africa, marking a significant evolution in how stories are shared and consumed.
With over 2 billion minutes streamed, podcasting has solidified its role as a favoured medium for storytelling, entertainment, and knowledge-sharing in Mzansi.
Leading the way is Podcast and Chill with MacG, followed closely by the globally renowned What Now? with Trevor Noah, which has captivated local audiences and gained international acclaim.
As South Africa embraces a rich tapestry of musical styles and storytelling formats, 2024 stands as a testament to the country's artistic evolution, cultural celebration, and the undeniable power of local talent to captivate not just local but also global audiences.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
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