The global music industry has undergone profound changes over the last decade. Streaming is now the primary revenue driver, reshaping not just how music is consumed, but how value is created and shared. In 2024, Spotify alone paid out roughly $10 billion in royalties to rights holders—a headline-grabbing figure that speaks to the scale of opportunity in today’s digital marketplace.
Africa’s music industry is part of this unprecedented momentum, producing globally recognised stars and fuelling economic growth. Although, when it comes to revenue distribution, African artists still operate at the margins of the global streaming economy. The question isn’t whether African music is rising—it’s how the industry ensures that this rise is matched by fair, scalable economic returns.
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The Economic Benefits of African Music
African music has transcended geographical boundaries and garnered international acclaim, with stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido and Tems leading the charge. This surge in popularity has not only elevated the profiles of individual artists but also stimulated local economies through job creation and tourism. The Nigerian music industry alone is estimated to contribute more than $2 billion to the country’s economy, fuelling growth in sectors such as hospitality, advertising and merchandising.
Collaborations between African artists and global icons are opening new revenue streams and facilitating a vibrant cross-cultural exchange. In 2024, Nigerian musicians earned royalties exceeding 58 billion naira (approximately $38 million), marking a significant increase from the previous year. Likewise, South African artists received about 400 million rand ($21 million), reflecting a 54% growth from 2023. These figures underscore a growing recognition of African talent, though they also highlight the challenges accompanying this rapid ascent.
Spotify’s Role in Boosting African Music
As a dominant player in the streaming landscape, Spotify has significantly influenced the global resurgence of African music. The platform’s data shows that roughly 250 million user-generated playlists featured at least one Nigerian artist, while around 220 million included South African musicians. This unprecedented exposure has bolstered the international reach of African music, helping it gain a foothold outside traditional markets.
Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s managing director for Sub-Saharan Africa, notes that the evolving music ecosystem has enabled many mid-tier and emerging artists to earn a livelihood from their craft. This shift is vital to the sustainability of the industry, encouraging wider participation and diversity within the artistic community.
Challenges Facing the African Music Industry
Despite its growing global profile and promising revenue figures, the African music industry faces considerable obstacles that contribute to its disproportionately small share of streaming payouts. Limited market access remains a significant hurdle for many African artists, who encounter barriers in distribution, promotion and audience reach. These constraints stifle potential earnings and limit international exposure.
Traditional monetisation models, often developed with Western markets in mind, may not translate effectively to the African context. This discrepancy calls for innovative approaches tailored to local realities in order to ensure artists can earn sustainable incomes from their work.
Equally pressing is the lack of robust infrastructure within the industry. Many African countries suffer from insufficient label support, limited publishing structures and weak legal frameworks for copyright protection. Without these essential pillars, artists struggle to monetise their intellectual property fully. Addressing these foundational issues is crucial for enabling long-term growth and fair participation in the global music economy.
Solutions for a Thriving Future
To ensure a sustainable future for African music, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes investment in local infrastructure such as record labels, publishing houses and training institutions to equip artists with the tools they need to succeed. Strengthening partnerships between African creatives and international platforms can also improve access to new markets and facilitate knowledge transfer.
Additionally, expanding income sources beyond streaming and digital sales is vital. Monetisation strategies such as live performances, brand endorsements and merchandising offer alternative avenues for artists to generate revenue. Government support will also play a key role—through policy advocacy, copyright enforcement and funding initiatives—to create an enabling environment for the music sector.
The Future of African Music
The outlook for African music is bright, driven by increasing global appreciation for its sound. As more artists gain exposure on platforms like Spotify, the industry’s potential for economic impact and cultural exchange grows exponentially.
The rise in royalties—illustrated by the tripling of Nigerian musicians earning ten million naira annually and the quadrupling of South African artists earning between 100,000 and 500,000 rand—signals strong upward momentum. With coordinated support from stakeholders, African music can claim a larger share of global royalties and secure its place as a powerhouse in the international music arena.
In conclusion, while structural and economic challenges remain, the benefits of African music are undeniable. Its future rests on collaborative efforts between platforms, governments, and the artists themselves. As African music continues to resonate across the globe, its influence and economic importance will only continue to expand—cementing its role as a vital force in the global music landscape.
