In commemoration of Women’s Day and Month, in South Africa, Spotify is spotlighting the amazing South African female artists who have released new albums in 2024, noting their accomplishments. Their ability, tenacity, and creative contributions to the music industry have established them as not only inspiring artists but also admirable exports to the global scene.
Women’s Day, celebrated annually on August 9th, commemorates the courageous march of approximately 20,000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the laws that severely restricted the movement of Black South Africans. The day is a time to celebrate the achievements of South African women, reflect on the challenges they still face, and promote gender equality. As part of the commitment to elevate the voices of female musicians and bridge the gender inequality gap in the music industry, Spotify is highlighting some of the most remarkable and emerging female musicians in South Africa whose music continues to break barriers.
Spotify seeks to provide women with an opportunity to thrive as creators and music artists. Through programs like EQUAL, which advocates for gender equality in the music industry, and playlists that highlight female talent, Spotify continues to reinforce its commitment to elevating the profiles of South African female musicians. The Women’s Day celebration presents a momentous opportunity to honor these women while inspiring the next generation of emerging female musicians in South Africa.
Most streamed albums by South African female artists – From January – July 2024 – ZA
Globally
- TYLA – Tyla
- Unusual – Xolly Mncwango
- Kwakhanya – Azana
- Sankofa – Thandiswa
- nomthandazo – Zoë Modiga
- Rainbow – Lady Zamar
- Sarang / 사랑 – Sio
- Synthetic Hearts Part II – Msaki
- Difela, Vol. 2 – Dr Winnie Mashaba
In South Africa
- TYLA – Tyla
- Unusual – Xolly Mncwango
- Kwakhanya – Azana
- Sankofa – Thandiswa
- nomthandazo – Zoë Modiga
- Rainbow – Lady Zamar
- Synthetic Hearts Part II – Msaki
- Difela, Vol. 2 – Dr Winnie Mashaba
- Sarang / 사랑 – Sio
- Thobekile – Thobekile
User-generated playlists that include South African female albums released from January to July 2024 – ZA
- These female artists have been included in over 4 million user-generated playlists on Spotify.
Age group & gender streaming these albums from January to July 2024 – Global and in ZA:
- Gen Zs, aged between 18 and 24, top the list as they stream these albums more than any other age group, with 41% of streams coming from South Africa and 39% from globally.
- On gender, female users in South Africa and globally are listening more to these amazing female artists with 57% coming from South Africa and 64% globally.
Top 5 countries streaming albums by South African female artists from January to July 2024:
| United States |
| United Kingdom |
| South Africa |
| Philippines |
| Indonesia |
Top 5 cities streaming albums by South African female artist from January to July 2024:
| Johannesburg |
| Jakarta |
| Pretoria |
| Lagos |
| Durban |
Most streamed South African female artists outside South Africa:
Top 5 Albums released in 2024 by South African female artists:
- Tyla – TYLA
- Xolly Mncwango – Unusual
- Azana- Kwakhanya
- Thandiswa – Sankofa
- Zoë Modiga – Nomthandazo