Spotify Royalty Payments to African Artists Surge in 2024

Spotify has reported significant growth in royalty payments to artists from Nigeria and South Africa, with combined payouts reaching approximately $59 million in 2024. South African artists alone generated nearly 400 million ZAR (around $21 million), more than doubling their earnings since 2022, fueled by a 55% increase in audience engagement. The number of South African artists earning over 100,000 ZAR and 500,000 ZAR has also doubled during this period. Nigerian artists saw similar growth, with royalty payouts exceeding 58 billion naira ($38 million), marking a 49% rise in export growth. This surge in earnings is attributed to the growing global interest in African music, highlighted by millions of playlists featuring artists from these regions. The data showcases the potential for independent musicians to expand their reach and income through digital platforms like Spotify.