Spotify paid Nigerian, South African artists $59m royalty in 2024 – Audio streaming giant Spotify significantly increased its royalty payouts to artists from Nigeria and South Africa in 2024, distributing nearly $59 million as global demand for African music continues to soar.
The figures, released by the company on Thursday, underscore the growing international appeal of artists from the continent’s two biggest music markets.
According to Spotify, Nigerian artists earned over 58 billion naira (approximately $38 million) in royalties last year, more than double the amount received in 2023. Meanwhile, South African artists saw a 54% increase in earnings, collecting 400 million rand (roughly $21 million).
The surge in payments reflects a broader trend: African music is no longer a niche genre on global platforms. Popular acts like Nigeria’s Burna Boy and South Africa’s Tyla have helped shine an international spotlight on the continent’s creative talent.
This cultural momentum has translated into increased streaming numbers, global playlist placements, and rising incomes for artists beyond household names.
Spotify revealed that more than 250 million user-created playlists now feature at least one Nigerian artist, while 220 million include music from a South African performer.
“What we’re seeing is an excellent evolution—more and more mid-tier or up-and-coming artists are now making a sustainable living from streaming,” said Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa.
In Nigeria, the number of artists earning over 10 million naira annually has doubled in the past year and tripled since 2022. Similarly, in South Africa, the number of musicians earning between 100,000 and 500,000 rand has doubled over the last three years.
A significant portion of these earnings comes from outside Africa. Nigerian artists, for instance, have experienced a 49% rise in international streaming revenue over the past three years, while South African musicians saw export growth soar by 104% in the same period.
