Report reveals South Africa’s artists double their earnings

South Africa’s music industry is currently experiencing a significant transformation, marking a promising new era for local artists. Recent reports have revealed that South African artists have seen a substantial increase in their earnings, with royalties reaching R400 million ($21.24 million) in the past year, effectively doubling their income since 2022. Spotify’s 2025 Loud & Clear transparency report noted that this financial milestone coincided with a surge in audience growth, as South African artists garnered over 1.1 billion new listeners, representing a 55% rise from 2023.

Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Sub-Saharan Africa Managing Director, emphasized the platform’s commitment to supporting and empowering South African artists. She stated, “We’re not just supporting South African artists – we’re revolutionizing how they build sustainable careers.” Muhutu-Remy highlighted the role of Spotify’s ecosystem in enabling artists to earn fairly from their talent while fostering a wave of cultural innovation that resonates globally.

The report also highlighted a significant increase in royalties for music performed in indigenous languages, particularly languages like isiZulu, Sotho, and Afrikaans, which have more than doubled since 2021. Additionally, Spotify’s editorial playlists feature over 3,000 South African artists, underscoring the platform’s role in promoting local talent to a global audience.

Notably, international listeners play a crucial role in supporting South African artists, with a substantial portion of royalties being generated from global listeners. The report indicated that global consumption of South African music on Spotify averages over 600,000 hours daily, with users creating approximately 220 million playlists that feature South African artists.

One remarkable success story from the South African music scene is Grammy award-winning artist Tyla Laura Seethal, best known for her hit song “Water.” Tyla recently achieved a significant milestone by surpassing one billion streams on Spotify, making her the first African solo artist to achieve this feat. Muhutu-Remy commended Tyla’s achievement, stating that it solidifies her position as one of the most influential new voices in music, showcasing the growing global impact of African artists and their music.

Overall, the positive trajectory of South Africa’s music industry reflects a broader trend of growth and recognition for local artists on the global stage. With increased earnings, audience engagement, and international visibility, South African artists are poised to make a substantial impact in the music industry, contributing diverse sounds and perspectives to the global music landscape.