African Music Surges: Burna Boy, Tyla Drive $59M Spotify Earnings in 2024
JOHANNESBURG – African artists are reshaping global music. In 2024, Spotify paid $59 million in royalties to musicians from Nigeria and South Africa. This massive payout, driven by stars like Nigeria’s Burna Boy and South Africa’s Tyla, marks a milestone. It more than doubled for Nigerian artists and grew 54% for South Africans compared to 2023. Afrobeats and Amapiano are now global phenomena, empowering artists and thrilling fans worldwide.
A Booming Industry
Nigerian artists earned $38 million, or 58 billion naira, in 2024. That’s over twice the previous year’s total. South African artists took home $21 million, or 400 million rand, up 54%. These figures show a soaring demand for African music. Spotify reports 250 million playlists feature Nigerian artists. Another 220 million include South African acts. The genres driving this growth, Afrobeats and Amapiano, are now staples in global music culture.
Burna Boy’s Global Reign
Burna Boy, Nigeria’s “African Giant,” led Spotify’s most-streamed African artists in 2024. His Afro-fusion sound, mixing Afrobeats with reggae, captivated fans. Despite no new album, his tours and singles like “City Boys” kept him on top. He reportedly earned $782,148 in one month. His music fueled Nigeria’s 49% export growth over three years. Burna Boy’s streams dominate millions of playlists worldwide.
Tyla’s Amapiano Triumph
South Africa’s Tyla also shone brightly. Her debut album “TYLA,” released in March 2024, featured hits like “Water.” She won the first Grammy for Best African Music Performance. Her songs, rooted in Amapiano’s soulful beats, earned $607,804 in a month. Tyla’s deluxe album tracks like “Push To Start” boosted her fame. South Africa’s export growth hit 104% over three years, largely thanks to her.
Ayra Starr’s Rising Star
Nigeria’s Ayra Starr emerged as a force. Her album “The Year I Turned 21” gained 800 million streams. Touring with Coldplay and working with Chris Brown, she earned $400,972 monthly. Her bold Afrobeats style resonates with young fans. Starr, alongside Tyla and Tems, is breaking barriers for female artists. Their success is redefining African pop music.
Empowering New Talent
Spotify’s data shows growth beyond superstars. In Nigeria, artists earning over 10 million naira doubled in 2024. In South Africa, those earning 100,000 to 500,000 rand also doubled. “This is an excellent evolution,” said Spotify’s Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy. Streaming platforms are helping more musicians thrive. The rise of mid-tier artists signals a robust future for African music.
Global and Local Impact
International listeners drove much of the royalty growth. Over one billion first-time listeners streamed Nigerian and South African music in 2024. Collaborations, like Tyla’s “Jump” with Nigeria’s Gunna, boosted this trend. Locally, songs in Yoruba, Igbo, and Zulu saw huge royalty spikes. Gospel artists like Nathaniel Bassey and Amapiano stars like Kabza De Small also gained ground.
Challenges and Opportunities
African music’s economic impact is vast. Nigeria’s industry supports thousands of jobs. South Africa’s festivals attract global tourists. Yet, piracy and poor digital access in rural areas persist. Spotify’s initiatives aim to help, but more work is needed. Still, the momentum is undeniable. Tyla’s four South African Music Awards and Burna Boy’s sold-out shows prove it.
African music’s rise is a story of rhythm and resilience. Burna Boy, Tyla, and Ayra Starr have made Afrobeats and Amapiano global languages. Their $59 million in Spotify earnings is just the start. As more artists find their voice, Africa’s musical influence will only grow louder.
