African Artistes African music is no longer confined to the continent—it has exploded across the globe. Thanks to platforms like Spotify, artistes from Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Algeria, and beyond are reaching millions of listeners monthly.
These numbers aren’t just stats—they represent cultural influence, global recognition, and the unstoppable rise of African sounds.
African Artistes So, which African artistes have hit the highest Spotify monthly listeners ever? Let’s break it down.African Artistes
Understanding Spotify Monthly Listeners
Spotify monthly listeners simply mean how many unique people stream an artist’s music within 28 days. Unlike total streams, this metric shows how relevant and in-demand an artist is right now. It’s a strong measure of popularity and global reach.
Think of it this way: streams show how many times a song has been replayed, but monthly listeners show how many people are actually tuning in.
Rema – Nigeria’s Global Superstar (40M)
Rema sits at the top with an insane 40 million monthly listeners—achieved twice, in March 2023 and April 2024. His hit Calm Down (especially the remix with Selena Gomez) went beyond Africa, smashing records worldwide.
This milestone cemented Rema as one of the faces of Afrobeats globally.
Tyla – South Africa’s Rising Star (34.8M)
South African singer Tyla became a global sensation with her viral track Water. In May 2024, she hit 34.8 million monthly listeners, making her the highest-ranked South African artiste ever on Spotify.
Her blend of Amapiano and R&B vibes gave her a unique sound that resonated worldwide.
CKay – Love Nwantiti’s Global Power (34M)
In November 2021, CKay’s Love Nwantiti went viral on TikTok and Spotify, giving him 34 million monthly listeners. The song’s endless remixes and covers made it a true global anthem.
CKay opened the door for many others, showing how social media could power an African song into the global charts.
Ayra Starr – Nigeria’s Celestial Voice (32.2M)
Ayra Starr, known as the “Celestial Being,” hit 32.2 million monthly listeners in June 2024. Her smash hit Rush and follow-ups made her one of the leading female voices in Afrobeats.
She represents the new generation of Nigerian superstars taking over global playlists.
Burna Boy – The African Giant (25.478M)
The self-proclaimed African Giant reached 25.478 million monthly listeners in July 2025. With Grammy wins and sold-out stadiums, Burna Boy is Africa’s biggest touring artist.
He proved African artistes don’t just chase numbers—they build lasting global influence.
Moliy – Ghana’s New Global Sensation (25.456M)
Moliy, from Ghana, surprised the world with her rise. By June 2025, she crossed 25.456 million monthly listeners, thanks to her Afro-fusion and alternative sound.
She’s proof that African women in music are reshaping the global soundscape.
Libianca – The “People” Effect (21.8M)
Cameroonian artiste Libianca shook the industry with her heartfelt hit People. In June 2023, she peaked at 21.8 million monthly listeners.
Her music’s emotional depth made her a global household name overnight.
Tems – Nigeria’s Queen of Soul (20M)
Tems’ 20 million monthly listeners in June 2024 were fueled by her collaborations with Wizkid (Essence) and Drake (Fountains).
She’s not just a collaborator though—Tems is building a legendary career of her own, blending Afro-soul with R&B.
Wizkid – Afrobeats Legend (15M)
Wizkid, one of the pioneers of Afrobeats’ global takeover, recorded 15 million listeners in August 2025.
Though newer artistes sometimes surpass him in numbers, Wizkid’s consistency and influence remain unmatched.
Amaarae – Ghana’s Alté Star (13M)
Amaarae’s Sad Girlz Luv Money remix went viral on TikTok and Spotify in December 2021, hitting 13 million monthly listeners.
She represents Ghana’s growing Alté movement, which challenges the norms of mainstream Afrobeats.
DJ Yo! & AXEL – Mauritius’ Surprising Entry (12M Each)
In November 2021, Mauritius shocked the music scene when DJs Yo! and AXEL both hit 12 million monthly listeners. Their viral tracks proved that small nations can still make global waves.
Omah Lay – Nigeria’s Melodic Star (11.974M)
With 11.974 million listeners in May 2025, Omah Lay carved his space as one of Afrobeats’ most soulful voices.
Songs like Understand showcase his ability to blend vulnerability with melody.
Davido – The King of Hits (11.721M)
Davido, known for timeless anthems like Fall and Unavailable, hit 11.721 million monthly listeners in May 2025.
Despite fierce competition, he remains one of Africa’s most consistent hitmakers.
Asake – Street to Global (11.63M)
Asake brought the Nigerian street sound to the global stage. By August 2024, he peaked at 11.63 million listeners, thanks to his fusion of Fuji, Amapiano, and Afrobeats.
Sofiya Nzau – Kenya’s Breakout Artist (11.2M)
Kenya’s Sofiya Nzau shocked many when she crossed 11.2 million listeners, showing that East Africa is stepping into the global spotlight.
Her Afro-house and electronic blends connect African rhythms with global dance floors.
Soolking – Algeria’s Global Rapper (10.86M)
From North Africa, Soolking peaked at 10.86 million monthly listeners. With a unique mix of rap, rai, and trap, he brought Algeria into the global Spotify rankings.
What This Means for African Music
These numbers prove that African artistes are no longer underdogs. They are shaping global pop culture, inspiring fashion, dance, and even film soundtracks.
From Lagos to Johannesburg, Accra to Nairobi, and Algiers to Mauritius—Africa’s voice is louder than ever.
Future of African Artistes on Spotify
The future looks unstoppable. With Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Afro-fusion still growing, more artistes will hit record-breaking numbers. Expect stars like Ruger, Fireboy DML, Uncle Waffles, and Focalistic to climb the charts.
Conclusion
African artistes have shattered barriers on Spotify, showing the world that music truly has no borders. From Rema’s 40M peak to Soolking’s 10.86M, each milestone is a celebration of Africa’s diversity and creativity.
The world is listening—and Africa is leading.
FAQs
1. Who is the most streamed African artist ever?
Rema, with 40M monthly listeners, holds the record.
2. Which African song has the most Spotify streams?
Rema’s Calm Down remix with Selena Gomez tops the charts.
3. How did TikTok influence African artistes on Spotify?
TikTok made songs like Love Nwantiti and Sad Girlz Luv Money global hits.
4. Which region in Africa is dominating Spotify?
Nigeria leads, followed by South Africa and Ghana.
5. What’s next for African artistes globally?
Expect more crossover hits, stadium tours, and Grammy wins.
