Spotify Pays African Artists $59M in 2024: Nigerian & South African Stars Ride Global Music Wave

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In a powerful testament to Africa’s booming musical influence, Spotify has announced that it paid out an impressive $59 million in royalties to artists from Nigeria and South Africa in 2024 alone — the two countries leading the continent’s streaming surge.

The Swedish streaming giant, which shelled out a staggering $10 billion in royalties worldwide last year, says African artists are no longer just making noise — they’re making money and claiming their space on the global stage. From Burna Boy’s arena-packing presence to Tyla’s Grammy win and viral appeal, African music is catching fire across borders, and fans can’t get enough.

According to Spotify, over 250 million playlists now feature at least one Nigerian artist, while 220 million include South African acts. These numbers reflect more than just popularity — they signal a cultural shift where African sounds are being embedded into the global music DNA.

“What we’re seeing is an excellent evolution around more and more mid-tier or up-and-coming artists making a living,” said Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa. And the numbers support that claim.

Nigerian artists earned over ₦58 billion (approximately $38 million) in royalties last year — more than double their 2023 payout. South African musicians weren’t far behind, pulling in 400 million rand ($21 million), a 54% rise from the previous year. Notably, much of this income didn’t come from local listeners but from international audiences — proving that African music is not just traveling; it’s thriving abroad.

Over the past three years, Nigerian artists have seen a 49% increase in international growth, while South African artists have experienced a remarkable 104% surge in global streams. As a result, the number of Nigerian artists earning ₦10 million or more annually has doubled in the past year and tripled since 2022. Similarly, the number of South African artists making between R100,000 and R500,000 annually has also doubled over the past three years.

Africa’s rhythms have always moved hearts and hips — now they’re moving serious money too. The world is listening, streaming, and paying, and African artists are finally cashing in on the global love affair with their sound.