The year 2024 marked a groundbreaking period for African music, as artists from the continent shattered records and solidified their global influence. Burna Boy, Tyla, and Ayra Starr emerged as the top three most-streamed African artists globally, according to Spotify’s latest data, reflecting the massive impact of African music on the world stage.
Burna Boy, despite not releasing a full album this year, continued to dominate the global music scene. His extensive touring schedule, alongside high-profile collaborations, kept his presence strong. Notably, Burna Boy worked on the remix of “Tshwala Bam” with TitoM and Yuppe and joined Usher on “Coming Home,” a track from Usher’s 2024 album. His influence remains unshaken, and his anticipated 2025 Nairobi stop on his tour will undoubtedly be a highlight for his Kenyan fans.
Tyla, on the other hand, made history this year. As the first and youngest artist to win a Grammy in the newly established Best African Music Performance category, Tyla achieved a significant milestone in her career. Her debut self-titled album received critical acclaim, featuring collaborations with artists like Gunna, Tems, and Travis Scott. Following its success, she released a deluxe edition, which included fan-favorite tracks like “Push To Start” and “Shake Ah,” both of which have gained widespread popularity. Additionally, her performance at the Victoria’s Secret show elevated her global profile even further.
Ayra Starr, with the release of her second album, The Year I Turned 21, continued to grow her international fanbase. The album, which has surpassed 800 million streams since its June release, solidified her position as one of Africa’s most exciting global stars. Starr also made waves by collaborating with Coldplay, and her tour alongside the legendary British band further expanded her reach beyond African borders.
These three artists are part of a broader wave of African talent making an indelible mark on global music trends. In 2024, Africa’s musical landscape has proven to be more influential than ever, with artists like Rema, Tems, and Wizkid also securing high spots on the global streaming charts. As the year progresses, it’s clear that African music is not just a regional powerhouse but a global phenomenon, poised for even greater successes in the years to come.